Elgin residents showed love and support for the LGBTQ+ community Saturday at the city’s first Pride parade, a colorful, cheerful and proud procession that weaved through downtown.
Shawn Moreno, who has three LGBTQ+ children, was impressed with the parade’s size and the number of people who came out to watch and cheer. But she wasn’t surprised.
“They have a lot of supporters in the community. I really liked seeing all the churches marching,” Moreno said.
ELGbtq+ had planned to hold their debut parade in 2020, the year COVID-19 hit. Kayla Bates founded the organization after moving to Chicago and finding there weren’t many events for the community.
It finally came together, and was followed Saturday afternoon and evening with a party in Festival Park.
Brandon Richardson, of Elgin, was among those cheering on the street for the marcher. His sister was among them, having organized a group with J.P. Morgan Chase in Elgin to participate.
“Happy Pride,” he shouted as parade entrants passed.
He was thrilled to see a parade held in his hometown, where his family has lived since the 1890s.
“I’m excited and happy,” Richardson said. “I think it’s a great chance for us to shine all together.”
The parade is one of several being held in June in the Chicago area, including Aurora, for Pride Month.
The tradition of celebrating of Pride Month began in the 1970s in the aftermath of the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, which triggered a national gay liberation movement.
Moreno tells her children they need to know the history of the LGBTQ+ movement, and realize how much things have changed.
“I always tell them they have to get to know and learn about their elders because without them, the road would never have been paved,” she said.
Samantha Tello and Elizabeth Garcia, of Chicago, attended with friends who live in Elgin. The two also plan to attend the Chicago and Aurora Pride parades this month.
“I think it’s great for the community and shows a lot of love for us,” Tello said.
Pride Month is “the one time we have the chance to really be ourselves. People feel comfortable coming out and showing who they are,” Tello said.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier News.
