June is the official month to commemorate and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community throughout our city, state and country! As an association, we continue to celebrate the strength and diversity of our industry and organization. Find out how we’re celebrating the month and how to get involved below.
Why does PRIDE Month occur in June?
The event that catalyzed the LGBTQ+ rights movement came on June 28, 1969, when a popular gay bar in New York City’s West Village, The Stonewall Inn, was raided. This was commonplace for the time. But, on this particular evening, the patrons of the bar fought back, starting the Stonewall Riots (known as the Stonewall Uprisings), which went on for days. This historic event provided the spark that ignited the LGBTQ+ rights movement nationwide.
The Stonewall Inn was later declared a historic landmark by New York in 2015 and later named a national monument by President Barack Obama in 2016.
History Of Northalsted Neighborhood In Chicago
In 1970, one year after the Stonewall Uprisings, Chicago hosted its first-ever Pride parade. Around this time, the LGBTQ+ community began opening health centers, community spaces and bars—establishing a growing presence and sense of community in Northalsted.
In seeking to recognize the neighborhood as an epicenter of LGBTQ+ culture, Chicago’s former Mayor Richard M. Daley designated the neighborhood as America’s first officially recognized gay village in 1997. Today, Northalsted is one of the country’s most inclusive communities and the oldest officially recognized LGBTQ+ neighborhood in the entire country. In 2020, the neighborhood changed its name from Boystown to Northalsted.
Celebrate Pride with the Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign is the nation’s largest LGBTQIA+ civil rights organization in the U.S., working to achieve equality and inclusion for all. Click here to learn more about getting involved!
Ways To Celebrate in Chicago
June 2nd
Queer Fam Pride Jam: Taking place at Millenium Park, this event will feature drag performances, DJ sets, dancing, crafts, face painting, a vendor market and more
June 12th
Chicago REALTORS ® 360 Summit: Leading with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Go beyond conversation and embrace inclusive practices that meet today’s real estate market.
June 21st & 22nd
Chicago Pride Fest: Pride Fest features live music, a Youth Pride Space for teens, best of Chicago drag performance, the Proud Pet Parade with prizes, dance exhibitions, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, guest speakers and over 150 food and merchandise vendors.
June 28th
Navy Pier Pride: Enjoy live music, performances by local LGBTQIA+ artists, educational programming and resources from community partners, all at one of Chicago’s most iconic lakefront destinations.
June 29th
Chicago Pride Parade: The Chicago Pride Parade is a world-renowned event, attracting millions of attendees and embodying the city’s commitment to inclusion, equality and unity. The parade remains a beacon of hope, pride and progress.
July 5th
Pride South Side: This event celebrates community, unity and the unstoppable spirit that defines our South Side neighborhoods..
Did You Know…?
- The homeownership rate for the LGBTQ+ community is 49.8%, according to the 2023 LGBTQ+ Journey to Homeownership Report.
- Chicago has the third-largest LGBTQ+ population, behind New York City and Los Angeles.
- The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is currently tracking 588 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the United States. While not all of these will become law, they all cause harm to LGBTQIA people. The ACLU is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. To read more about this critical work, click here.
Learn More About Our Industry Partner, The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance
The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance advocates for fair housing for all and promotes LGBTQ+ homeownership. It elevates professionalism in the industry through education and networking and celebrates diversity and inclusion among our members and allied partners.
This Pride Month, the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance – Illinois Chapter is hosting its annual membership drive. Join now and get $50 off your first year of membership!
