Latest news with #ChicagoPride
CBS News
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Crowds flock to East Lakeview for 54th annual Chicago Pride Parade
The 54th annual Chicago Pride Parade — one of the oldest and largest in the country — made its way past cheering crowds in Chicago's East Lakeview neighborhood Sunday. There was a little rain for the occasion, but it hardly stopped the crowds from turning out. The parade started at Broadway and West Sheridan Road at 3900 North, and made its way south on Broadway and then Halsted Street, east on Belmont Avenue, south on Broadway again, and east on Diversey Parkway to Cannon Drive in Lincoln Park. A total of 151 entries took to the route. Among the highlights this year was the "Wicked"/"Wizard of Oz" mashup presented by Asians and Friends Chicago — with marchers and float riders wearing costumes inspired by the two films. Asians and Friends Chicago first took part in the Chicago Pride Parade in 1970, Pride Chicago noted. The Second City Outlaws treated the crowd to country dancing, and the Dykes on Bikes motorcycle group also turned out as usual — honoring the legacy of founder and Chicago trailblazer Antonia "Tata" Flores. Pride Chicago noted that the group started when Flores and two friends rode their Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the Chicago Pride Parade in 1987. The West Town neighborhood bar Dorothy, one of Chicago's only lesbian bars, made its debut at the Pride Parade this year, Pride Chicago noted. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker also took part as usual, and Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias poked fun at a viral moment during the Chicago Pride Parade two years ago — in which he found himself marching in a wet white T-shirt after it rained. "Can't believe it's starting to drizzle……," Giannoulias wrote on X as he posted a photo of himself in a white T-shirt again. CBS A variety of other enticing entries were also part of the parade — from cheerleaders performing acrobatic feats for the Chicago Bulls to a giant red bag rolling down the street for DoorDash. CBS Chicago also took part as usual this year — with Albert Ramon, Marissa Perlman, Marie Saavedra, and Jackie Kostek among those waving to the crowd with colorful fans in hand. CBS The theme for this year's parade was "United in Pride." The theme was meant to be taken as a call to action, and "an opportunity to come together, embrace diversity, and continue the fight for equality," according to organizers. "I go every year—it's so fun when I go with my friends and stuff like that. It's like an amazing event—amazing vibes, amazing people," said Elizabeth Mays. "It's so fun. There's so much going on, and just everyone was so nice," said Marc McIsaac. "It was amazing." The Chicago Pride Parade started on June 27, 1970, as a march from Bughouse Square at Dearborn and Walton streets to what is now the Daley Center downtown. It was intended to commemorate the uprising at the Stonewall Inn tavern in New York City's Greenwich Village neighborhood a year earlier. The parade was not officially recognized by the city until Mayor Jane Byrne officially declared the first Gay Pride Parade Day in 1981. The route has changed many times over the years, but the East Lakeview area has at least been part of it since the second parade in 1971. The parade was not held in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but has been back strong as ever since 2022.
Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
JoJo Siwa abruptly cancels gay pride gig over 'pressure' to brand her sexuality
JoJo Siwa will no longer be taking part in a Pride event in Chicago next weekend - with the news being announced a day after she candidly opened up about her sexuality journey JoJo Siwa has abruptly pulled out of a gay pride performance just hours after revealing she felt "pressured" to brand herself a lesbian. The 22-year-old American singer has been on a high profile romantic journey since April this year when she met Love Island star Chris Hughes in the UK Celebrity Big Brother house. Viewers watched on in surprise as the pair grew closer and closer over the course of their time in the house. Eyebrows were raised as JoJo was dating an Australian content creator called Kath Ebbs at the time. Once the show ended, Kath was almost immediately dumped by the Dance Moms star and days later it was revealed she and 32-year-old Chris had embarked on a romance. This week, JoJo, who identifies as queer, explained that she had been pressured to declare herself a lesbian. And in the wake of this declaration, it has been revealed she has dropped out at performing at an LGBTQ+ event later this month. She had been due to perform at the Back Lot Bash in Chicago as part of their Chicago Pride Sunday party on June 29. But the organization suddenly announced on Saturday morning that this would no longer be the case. The venue wrote on social media: "Due to a scheduling conflict, JoJo Siwa will no longer be performing at Chicago's Back Lot Bash" - without and further explanation. The Mirror has contacted a representative of JoJo for comment. The abrupt cancellation follows news that the star had cancelled a planned tour. She revealed via her official website earlier this month: "I've got some news that breaks my heart to share... my US tour has to be postponed. I promise I'll be back before you know it to perform for all the beautiful people in the US!... Announcements will be coming soon, including some Europe shows!:)" It added: "Thank you so much for your understanding and support. I can't wait to see you all soon! To my Dream Guest VIPs, my team will be reaching out to you individually to plan something special. Refunds will be issued at point of purchase." Her Chicago Pride cancellation comes a day after she gave a candid interview to the Daily Mail in which she opened up about her sexuality journey. She told the publication: "When I came out at 17, I said: 'I'm pansexual, because I don't care [about gender].' But then I kind of boxed myself in and I said: 'I'm a lesbian.' And I think I did that because of pressure." She continued: "'In a weird way, I think [the pressure] came a little bit from inside the [LGBTQ] community at times. From people I know, from partners I've had. "You just get put in this world where you feel like, because you now have said, 'Oh, I'm a lesbian', you have to be a lesbian. And the truth is, sexuality is fluid." In a recent chat with TMZ, JoJo also addressed the ongoing scrutiny that she's been subjected to as fans have dissected her love life. She told the outlet: "The thing is, love is a beautiful rainbow and I think that the LGBTQIA+ community needs to remember that love is love and think the hate from within the community is something I've learned a lot from and I think that a lot of people get to grow from and I'm on of those people. "I think that again I can give you an example of love is love, you can be happy..." Fans could soon see a lot more of JoJo and Chris and their apparent blossoming love - as rumours abound that ITV is preparing to offer them a reality show of their own. A source told The Sun: "It's still in the early stages but ITV really think they'd be amazing TV with their own show. Fans around the world are obsessed with their relationship and there are so many TikTok accounts devoted to their love story."
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
5 Pride rallies and protests to spread your colors at
Pride season is upon us! It's that time of the year when rainbows dot every nook and corner of the street and members of the LGBTQ+ community revel in a month of protests and celebrations to commemorate all that they have achieved and are yet to deliver on in the future. Whether you wish to march or watch the festivities this year, here are a few spots around the country to get a glimpse of the most colorful Pride parades: One of the most iconic LGBTQ+ rights movements in the world, the New York City Pride parade has long been hailed as one of the finest in the world. The official website for the parade reads, 'NYC Pride's theme for 2025 - 'Rise Up: Pride in Protest' - honors the legacy of the very first Pride March in 1970, which commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.' The movement is a special one considering it hits the home of where the pride movement started back in 1969. Every year, marching contingents, game-changing grand marshals, local partners, and community allies march in a spectacular celebration of joy amid the fight for diversity and inclusion. The parade will start at noon at 25th Street and 5th Avenue, and subsequently head south and west through the Manhattan region. One of the most engaging and impactful parades in the Midwest, Chicago Pride is a joyous celebration of all things color and bright. 'The 54th annual Chicago Pride Parade steps off at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from Sheridan and Broadway in Chicago's landmark LGBTQ+ Northalsted neighborhood,' the official website states. 'The parade, featuring 150 colorful entries, will travel the 20-block parade route from Sheridan south on Broadway; then south on Halsted; then east on Belmont; then south on Broadway; then east on Diversey to Cannon Drive.' Following in the legacy of its predecessors, Chicago Pride 2025 promises to be as invigorating as ever. Entry to the event is free of charge. Los Angeles Pride, another must-see spectacle, is the 55th edition of the annual parade and will kick off at 11 AM local time from the Hollywood BLVD. Extra performances, music, and celebrity visits have been planned for the occasion, with actor Andrew Rannells stepping into the role of Celebrity Grand Marshal this year. The event can be watched for free in person or can be streamed live on ABC. The LA Pride Village, the event's performance street fair, promises to be bigger and better than ever before with scores of food trucks, stalls, vendors, and exhibitors to engage with. The theme for this year's pride parade in San Francisco is 'Queer Joy is Resistance' which serves as a unifying message for the community amidst troubling the troubling political climate people find themselves in currently. 'The theme serves as a reminder that the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights is ongoing and that the community must remain vigilant, engaged, and united in its pursuit of justice and equality,' the website says. The event will start at 12 PM at 99 Grove, San Francisco. Tickets are available for purchase at the organization's official website. The Capital Pride parade will start from 14th and T Streets NW and end at Pennsylvania Avenue and 9th Streets NW. Starting at 2 PM, the parade is scheduled to end somewhere around 8 PM at night. Those who wish to march in the parade can read the requirements for a marching contingent on the official website and even bring a certain pre-decided number of floats. Featuring ornate floats, grand marshals, and the vast support of the community, Capital Pride 2025 promises to be an exciting event.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
People visiting wrong house near Pope Leo XIV's childhood home in Dolton
The Brief Excitement over Pope Leo XIV's Chicago roots is drawing crowds to his boyhood home in Dolton. One nearby resident is dealing with mistaken visits due to a similar address. The actual pope's home may soon become a historical landmark as interest grows. DOLTON, Ill. - We've been talking about all the pride Chicago is feeling this week about one of our own being elevated to pope. But as FOX 32 went down to south suburban Dolton to visit Pope Leo XIV's boyhood home on Friday, we found one nearby homeowner who says this holy history is making for some unexpected headaches. "Since about six this morning, I've got reporters like yourself coming to the door. People taking photos outside of the house. And I have to let them know, 'you got the wrong house,'" said Carolyn Moore, a Dolton resident who lives close to the pope's childhood home. Moore isn't getting much sleep these days, thanks to a hometown papal pick and some confusing street signage. Her house number is the exact same as the pope's childhood house one block south. The pope's former home has become something of an instant holy shrine, beset by camera crews and faithful Catholics from all over the world. "We came straight from Louisville, Kentucky, and we came straight here so we could see it," one woman said. "This is a picture of us, Jim and Chris, at the pope's childhood home," another couple said. But with all the excitement, many visitors are falling prey to a quirk in the Chicago area's street naming system. The pope's house is on 141st Place, and Moore's house is on 141st Street. "I'm on Street and that's Place over there. So that's the difference," Moore said. "Mine is a purple door. That one is a red door." "I wish I was the one who got the landmark home. But you know, it's still good to find out that someone like that lived in this neighborhood before," she added. And with more and more pilgrims coming to see the pope's old home, and the Village of Dolton talking about buying the house and turning it into a historical site, Moore has an idea to get some sleep. "I'm thinking about putting a sign up saying 'go to that address,'" she said. The pope's boyhood home was on the market for $199,000. But the house-flippers who rehabbed the home have now pulled the listing, realizing its historical significance could make it worth much more than that. The Source FOX 32's Dane Placko reported on this story.
The Guardian
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘Deep dish eucharist': internet reacts to US pope with jokes and Chicago pride
The internet exploded with humor and Chicago pride on Thursday following the historic announcement that Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old American clergyman from Chicago, has been named the new pope. Now known as Pope Leo XIV, Prevost has become the first clergyman from the United States to lead the Roman Catholic church, ending the Vatican's longstanding opposition to the idea of a US pontiff. Reactions quickly flooded social media platforms like X and Bluesky, with Chicagoans and Americans across the country chiming in, and sharing jokes. The Chicago mayor, Brandon Johnson, celebrated the moment on social media, posting: 'Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago! Congratulations to the first American Pope Leo XIV! We hope to welcome you back home soon.' Other users asked for 'a photos of the new pope at the Bean' Chicago's famous sculpture, while MSNBC's Chris Hayes wondered whether the Pope was a Chicago Cubs fan, as others asked if he was a White Sox fan. One X user joked: 'In honor of Chicago's own Pope Leo XIV, the White Sox announce the new 'White Smoke Shake' that will be served in a commemorative pope hat.' Another poked fun at the Chicago Bears American Football team, writing: 'Chicago produced a pope before a QB who throws for 4,000 yards'. Others referenced Chicago's famous deep dish pizza, joking about the Pope serving deep dish pizza and to ask whether the new Pope thinks that Chicago or Rome have better pizza. 'From now on, all communion wafers shall be deep dish,' one commenter wrote. Another added: 'Deep dish eucharist' and another user joked that 'finally Rome will have good pizza'. A nod to the city's notorious liqueur appeared, too, with some people asking whether the Pope had consumed Malört, a liqueur once reserved for Chicago dive bars. 'Cannot wait for holy water & wine to be replaced by Malort & Old Style,' one user wrote. There were also references to The Bear, the Emmy-winning Chicago-based drama, and to Second City, the city's pioneering and legendary comedy club, with one user stating that 'second City now only second to Vatican City'. Someone also joked that Pope Leo XIV 'has probably eaten more hot dogs than all 266 previous popes combined'. A social media account associated with the New York Knicks also celebrated that the new Pope is a graduate of Villanova University, writing: 'What a week for Villanova graduates'with a photo of the Pope alongside images of Knicks players Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, who are also Villanova alums. The New York basketball team won the first two games against the Boston Celtics in the playoffs. Corporate accounts also joined in. Popeyes, the fried chicken chain, posted 'pope yes', while Netflix shared a still from Emily in Paris, captioned: 'I'm from Chicago, but I moved here for a job.'
