celebrating pride

yesterday was the 42nd annual chicago gay pride parade.  for the past few years, g and i always say we're not going but somehow find ourselves amongst the masses of people along the parade route.  yesterday was no different.  with perfect temperatures and sunny skies, it was a perfect day in chicago!  in addition, we had a great spot along the route with easy access to shade...and more importantly bathrooms!!

the parade is always enjoyable, but it's quite lengthy with numerous politicians, churches, advocacy groups, and local bars.  some of the annual highlights for me are the dykes on bikes and the parents, students, and staff of the neighborhood elementary school.

each year, dozens of ladies on big motorcycles rev up their loud engine to the excitement of the crowd!  this year there seemed to be even more!!  you can't quite understand just how loud it is until they're right in front of you!!  here's a video of the dykes on bikes at this year's parade.  (forward to the :45 mark to hear some of the loud noises i'm talking about!)



nettelhorst elementary school is in the heart of boystown.  extremely involved in the neighborhood, the school grounds are covered with artistic murals and statues.  nettelhorst elementary teaches respect and inclusiveness with attention being given to LGBT issues.  here's an article that was posted on huffington post earlier this year.  each june, every student in the school ties a piece of fabric onto the fence outside the school to create a rainbow along the school walls.  and in recent years, members of the school - parents, students, and staff - march in the pride parade to celebrate diversity and inclusiveness with their neighborhood.  it's really a touching site to see.   (note: i applied and interviewed with this school...but they didn't want me.)

happy pride!