The Chicago Pride Parade is downsizing this year due to 'safety and logistical' concerns brought on by the city.
The parade, which is set for June 30, will be capped at 125 entries, said Tim Frye, one of the 2024 Pride Parade coordinators. That's about a 37% decrease from the 199 groups that marched in the parade in 2023.
This year's parade will also step off at 11 a.m., which is one hour earlier than its usual start time of noon, Frye said.
"We understand there will be some disappointed groups that will not march with us this year; we extend a heartfelt thank you for their support and understanding," Frye said in an emailed statement.
City officials told parade organizers of the new entry cap and start time in mid-March, citing "safety and logistical concerns, including the city's capacity to manage a range of large events throughout the summer," Frye said.
Erica Schroeder, director of public information for the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), did not answer questions about what went into this specific decision, but said permit applications are reviewed by multiple departments to identify potential conflicts, safety issues and the availability of resources.
"We are honored that the Chicago Pride Parade is one of the largest and most successful LGBTQ+ celebrations in the country," Schroeder said. "As with all major events in the city, we are constantly evaluating options to improve safety while also delivering the best experience for our visitors, residents and community."
It was not immediately clear whether the limitation on entries would affect the number of LGBTQ+ groups allowed in the parade, but Frye said its coordinators are giving priority to LGBTQ+ organizations, businesses and employee resource groups.
This year's Chicago Pride Parade is taking on the theme of "Pride is Power," representing the role that the celebration has played in boosting LGBTQ+ visibility and advocating for change. It steps off at Montrose Avenue and Broadway in Uptown, continuing south through Lakeview and Lincoln Park.
This will be the 53rd edition of the parade since it was founded as the Chicago Gay Rights March in 1970 to commemorate the first anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion in New York City. The parade was later rebranded as the Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade in 1974 when Frye's late husband, Richard Pfeiffer, took over as its coordinator. Pfeiffer died in 2019 at 70 years old.
Chicago's Pride Parade is recognized as one of the oldest and largest Pride marches in the city.
"It's truly a parade like no other and we're incredibly grateful for the support of our dedicated partners, allies and friends who have helped make the parade a cherished neighborhood tradition for decades," Frye said.
