CHICAGO — Under the summer sun and amidst record heat, thousands gathered in Northalsted this weekend to celebrate Chicago’s 2025 Pride Fest, a two-day celebration of LGBTQ+ identity, resilience, and freedom. But for many, it was more than a party — it was a powerful statement of visibility in the face of political backlash.
Saturday marked the first day of the fest, filling Halsted Street between Addison and Grace with music, dancing, and community support. From drag performances to pop stars like Jesse McCartney and Chrissy Chlapecka, the crowd soaked in both celebration and activism.
“I Love the Freedom” — A Veteran’s Journey Comes Full Circle
One of the many attendees, 62-year-old Army veteran Rene Garza, shared a deeply personal reason for showing up.
“When I came here, I could be myself,” Garza said. “But when I went home to Garfield Ridge, I had to hide again… But that’s what I love here, I love the freedom. I’m gay and I’m proud.”
Garza first attended the fest in 1986, and it was there he felt safe enough to come out — a stark contrast to his life during military service.
Pride as Both Protest and Celebration
Event organizer Mark Liberson, vice president of the Northalsted Business Alliance, emphasized the dual purpose of this year’s festival.
“You can’t just fight,” Liberson said. “You have to take time to uplift each other and to be able to feel that sense of community.”
His comments reflected a broader concern about recent federal and state actions against LGBTQ+ rights, particularly around healthcare and education.
Diverse Attendees, Unified Purpose
Among the crowd were longtime friends Aliea Banks, Abron Afalava-Suttles, and Jaclyn White, who came ready to enjoy the day. For Afalava-Suttles, who grew up attending pride events in cities like Los Angeles and Atlanta, this was their first time at Chicago’s Pride Fest.
“I should be able to go into the world and feel like this every single day,” Afalava-Suttles said.
“It’s for everyone who needs to shut up, sit down and turn up,” Banks added.
Heat Precautions and Sunday Lineup
With temperatures soaring, organizers provided a cooling bus, bottled water, and onsite health professionals. The Center on Halsted remained open for anyone seeking air conditioning.
Sunday’s schedule includes:
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Pet parade at noon
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Deborah Cox on the North Stage at 2 p.m.
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A closing show by The Vixen, South Side native and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, with co-host Shea Coulee performing BlackGirlMagic
Liberson, who oversaw the festival planning, admitted there was so much happening, “I don’t know how I’ll be everywhere at the same time — but I’m looking forward to trying.”
What Do You Think?
Have you attended a Pride Fest in your city? What does it mean to you? Share your experience in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
