Pride South Side Celebrates Community and Cultural Connection

The pride flag fluttered from Jordan Scott’s backpack as he moved to the DJ’s rhythm at Pride South Side. This event, held on Sunday at the DuSable Black History Museum in Washington Park, offered him something he couldn’t find elsewhere. “I skipped the North Side Pride events for this,” said Scott, a Beverly resident. “I love the vibe, the atmosphere, and the people here.”

This festival, which highlights Black and Brown LGBTQ+ Chicagoans, celebrated its eighth year with music, drag performances, panels, and tours. By hosting the festival on the South Side, it became more accessible for residents there, explained Chris Huerta, community health program manager at Brave Space Alliance. “It creates a community here and adds an element of joy for people of color,” Huerta noted.

Artist D. Little displayed his embroidered landscapes and a tapestry of Octavia Butler at his table. Although fees at larger North Side events are often high, Little found the DuSable Museum gathering affordable. “I don’t feel seen at the city’s Pride parade,” he shared. “This is where I can truly be myself.”

Oriana Koren, an Edgewater resident, observed that the festival attracted a diverse crowd. “It reminds us we’re less separated than we think,” said Koren, who had books on display and has collected Black art since 2016 due to concerns over censorship. He believes that sharing Black art is vital, especially given historical obstacles to literacy for Black communities.

The festival included vendors, part of Adrienne Irmer’s original vision. Following a 2018 health study highlighting HIV infection rates on the South and West sides, she co-founded the event to blend cultural celebration with healthcare. “These are under-resourced and vulnerable communities,” Irmer said. The festival’s integration of healthcare groups aimed to address this gap.

Jordan Braxton, from Vivent Health, offered HIV prevention materials alongside voting resources. She emphasized that trust-building with the Black queer community is key, as there is often distrust towards the medical field. “We want people to know our care is culturally sensitive,” Braxton explained.

Concerns about federal healthcare policies were also a focus. Ken Remé from Impulse Chicago encouraged festival attendees to advocate for continued access to PrEP and similar aids. While advocating near a dunk tank, he stressed the importance of culturally relevant information sharing.

Exercise and fitness also played a role in the festival’s offerings. Paulo Colby, owner of Continuum fitness studio, encouraged participation in pilates and volleyball. Promoting health as a communal belief can lead to positive habits, he explained.

While North Side pride events can be challenging for some to access, the South Side festival provided a welcoming and open environment. It allowed individuals to express themselves freely, creating a temporary enclave for personal and communal joy. “It’s needed,” Colby said, emphasizing the importance of such spaces, even if briefly.