How to use transit to celebrate Pride Month in the Chicago region
May 31, 2024
May 31, 2024
June is Pride Month, a time to honor and celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals in the United States. The designation of June as Pride Month pays homage to the 1969 Stonewall Inn uprisings in New York, where the local LGBTQ+ community took part in a series of demonstrations to object to the discrimination that they often endured.
The RTA seeks to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and we strive to acknowledge and celebrate the region’s diverse genders and sexualities, especially as an influx of anti-trans legislation threatens the safety and wellbeing of transgender people across the country. Joyful celebration of this community can serve as an act of resistance against oppression. To celebrate Pride Month, we've curated a variety of transit-accessible destinations, neighborhoods, and events to explore, support, learn about and honor the LGBTQ+ community in our region during this Pride Month.
A two-day celebration, the festival will take place June 22-24. The street festival features 3 stages of live music by national and local artists, food and drinks, drag shows, over 150 arts and crafts vendors, and more.
Where: Halsted Street from Addison to Grace streets
Nearby transit: CTA bus routes #8, 77, 151, 152; CTA Red and Brown lines
The 53rd annual Chicago Pride Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 30. The annual parade honors the start of the Gay Rights Movement following the Stonewall Inn uprising in New York. This celebration of equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community is one of the largest in the world by attendance. It includes a 4-mile-long procession featuring floats, marching bands, decorated vehicles and much more.
Where: Along North Halsted Street, Uptown, Lakeview and Lincoln Park.
Nearby transit: CTA Red and Brown lines
Visit Navy Pier on Saturday, June 29 for a free, full-day event that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Festivities include live music, educational programs, performances from local LGBTQIA+ artists, on-site resources from community partners and more.
Where: 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Nearby transit: CTA bus routes #29 State, #65 Grand, #66 Chicago, #124 Navy Pier, or #2 Hyde Park Express
Aurora’s 7th annual Pride Parade will take place on Sunday, June 9 at noon.
Where: Intersection of East Benton Street and South Broadway
Nearby transit: Pace bus routes #524 and 530; Metra BNSF
Celebrate the 6th annual ‘The Right to Pride’ at Pride South Side on Saturday, July 6. Held at The DuSable Black History Museum in Washington Park, this annual event features performances, dancing, local vendors, and more.
Where: 740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637
Nearby transit: CTA Red or Green line; CTA bus route #55
The East Lakeview neighborhood, recently renamed Northalsted, is the first recognized gay neighborhood in the United States. Northalsted is home to the Center on Halsted, the Midwest's largest queer community center with over 1,000 daily visitors. Immerse yourself in the neighborhood and explore LGBTQ+ history as well as the area's variety of themed shops, restaurants, and events.
Where: Located on Broadway Ave. on the east, Halsted St. on the west, Grace St. to the north, and Belmont Ave. to the south.
Nearby transit: CTA bus routes #8, 151, 152; CTA Red, Brown, and Purple lines
Andersonville is well known for its historic architecture and Swedish roots and is home to one of the largest LGBTQ+ communities in Chicago. Time Out magazine lists Andersonville as the second coolest neighborhood in the world. Explore the area’s bounty of locally owned boutiques, specialty stores, and restaurants. Andersonville hosts Midsommarfest, a street festival celebrating the neighborhood's Swedish roots and LGBTQ+ culture.
Where: Foster Ave. to the south, Victoria St. to the north, Ravenswood Ave. to the west and Magnolia Ave. to the east.
Nearby transit: CTA bus routes #50 and 146; CTA Red line
Art enthusiasts should immerse themselves in this exhibit June 3-28.
Where: Santori Public Library. 101 S River St, Aurora, IL 60506
How to get there: Metra BNSF (Aurora station), Pace bus route #524 (River St & Benton St stop).
Celebrate the LGBTQI+ community with Field staff and collaborators by attending events all month long to learn about the role of sex and gender in the natural world.
Where: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
How to get there:
Across the region, there are a plethora of LGBTQ+-owned bookstores dedicated to showcasing the works of queer authors and educating the public on LGBTQ+ contributions to literature. Here is a short compilation of transit-accessible bookstores.
Where: 3251 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
How to get there:
Where: 1564 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
How to get there:
Food lovers should explore the abundance of LGBTQ+ owned bars and restaurants in the region. Each location is easily accessible by transit and provide an opportunity to appreciate the queer community's contributions to the culinary arts.
Where: 5347 N. Clark Street. Chicago, IL 60640
How to get there:
Where: 1450 E 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637
How to get there:
Where: 7308 W. North Avenue, Elmwood Park, IL 60707
How to get there:
Where: 1733 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201
How to get there:
Where: 3335 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60657
How to get there:
Where: 7041 S. Jeffery Blvd. Chicago, IL 60649
How to get there:
Check out these quirky and artsy LGBTQ+ owned stores. These include a variety of shops, from clothing boutiques to artisanal jewelry spots.
Where: 3400 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
How to get there:
Where: 3331 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
How to get there:
Where: 2958 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
How to get there:
Acknowledging and honoring the region's diverse genders and sexualities does not need to happen only in June. Check out the following links to learn more about queer-owned businesses, resources, and events in the region.
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