While tens of thousands marched down north Halsted Street, a smaller, more concentrated group gathered in Jackson Park at 6300 E. Hayes Dr. by Lake Michigan and threw a wild party stuffed with music, drag, fashion—and an awful lot of butt-shaking.
Chicago Urban Pride presented the second Pride Picnic on June 28. The title this year was an understatement.
The event was hardly a “picnic,” but a blazing jamboree with plenty of pizazz and energy. In fact, the packed itinerary was so huge it was exhausting at times. The usual suspects—Otis Mack, Ruff N Stuff, and Belle of the Ball Trina Tru Luv Robinson—nevertheless kept the festival speeding along and right on track.
Among those hitting the stage was Mayor Brandon Johnson, introduced Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs Antonio King, but the talent stole the show. Phoenix O’Hara, Iyanna Frantz, Enchilada Vicky, Jay N. Sanity and Breezy were among the many on the schedule. They all delivered precise and intense sets.
To top that off, there was a fashion show presented in three parts, which kept the rowdy crowd entranced early in the program, and a squad of six DJs who kept the beat going for hours.
Sponsors and partners for Chicago Urban Pride Picnic included Chicago Department of Health, Howard Brown Health, Jeffery Pub, Brave Space Alliance, Southside Help Center, ViiV, Chicago Black Men’s Caucus, Nexus, Cannabis Equity of Illinois Coalition, Skyy Medical and Wellness, Taskforce Community Services, Arcus Behavioral Health and Wellness, Life is Work and Project Vida.
More Pride coverage:
