Jun 24, 2007 6:51 pm US/Central
Chicago Shows Its Pride At Gay Pride Parade
Organizers Say There Were 450,000+ In Attendance
CBS 2's Mai Martinez contributed to this report.
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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A float in Chicago's 2006 Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade
CBS
Sunday was the biggest day of the year for Chicago's gay community – the Pride Parade. Almost half a million people crowded the parade route to see the extravagant display. But the community had numerous reasons to celebrate, as CBS 2's Joanie Lum reports.
They boogied and strutted down Halsted Street for Chicago's 38th Annual Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade Sunday when the parade kicked off at noon at the intersection of Halsted and Belmont. Spectators cheered for the grand marshal, former NBA player John Amaechi. After coming out in his book, "Man in the Middle," he said he has encountered some discrimination, but far more support.
"I received hundreds of thousands of e-mails, from Chicago folks and those in the surrounding area," he said. "This is a terrific opportunity to come face to face with everyone and say thank you."
Many people were geared up for the parade several hours before the kickoff to watch floats and all kinds of displays of gay pride.
Organizers said they had 250,000 registered entries for this year's parade, representing community organizations, businesses, individuals and elected officials.
The parade celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from all walks of life – from the Chicago Police force to the military and to elected office.
"The diversity of this crowd, the acceptance and my re-election – I'm excited to serve another four years," said Ald. Tom Tunney (44th).
"Now folks recognize we're your mothers, fathers and we work next to you in the cubicle at work," said parade coordinator Richard Pfeiffer.
Participants say the parade offers something for everyone, including lots of fun, but organizers say the pride celebration represents much more than that.
Volunteer Scott Gosnell said, "The gay community has been an integral part of building up Chicago neighborhoods, including Lakeview, including several other areas of the town, and it's just been a great opportunity for us to give something back and be part of the community."
The parade passed by the newly opened $20 million Center on Halsted, the largest LGBT community center in the Midwest. The 65,000-square-foot building has a computer lab, office space, a gym, and even a Whole Foods market. Parade organizers say this all puts Chicago on the map as one of the most gay friendly cities in the country.
"We've definitely taken the lead on LGBT issues, the community center, the Gay Games and human rights for all people," said Modesto Valle, director of the Center on Halsted.
There were some protestors along the route, but most people enjoyed the event.
"I'm open-minded, I like diversity and everyone's having a good time," said parade participant Fran Collins.
Speaking of being part of the community, CBS 2's Diann Burns, Mark Malone, and Mary Kay Kleist were just some of the personalities on the float in the parade. Rob Johnson, Kristyn Hartman, Mai Martinez and Suzanne Le Mignot were also on hand waving and having a great time with the crowd.
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