Chicago Pride Parade 2009: The Fabulous and the Filthy

When beads rain from the sky, the gutters are filled with broken bottles and spilled beer and half a million people wear enough clothing to garb a fraction of that, you know you're at the Pride Parade again.

This was the 40th anniversary of the parade, which began to commemorate the Stonewall riots. The riots were the first major incident where the gay community fought back against governments that persecuted sexual minorities. In memory of the revolution the parade's theme this year was “Stonewall: 40 Years After”.

The atmosphere was more like Mardi Gras though. Those that lived along the parade route hung from windows or watched the crowd from balconies and roof tops. The crowd on the ground tried to goad the residents into throwing down bead necklaces. Anything from shouting to shedding clothing could win you a trophy to drape around your neck.

The ground was less glamorous. Along the curbs were piles of garbage, broken bottles and the occasional lost flip-flop. Trash cans were overflowing while parade goers continued to try to pile the waste higher.

The Fabulous

How do you go about winning THOSE?

Observing from the observation decks

The judges...

...and the potential contestants

The Supreme Court, of bead necklaces

At least no one will want to take his seat

Amount of clothing is inversely proportional to amount of beads

The Filthy

 

Chicago River circa 1980

Someone was very thirsty

Bud Light keeps you hydrated, right?

No parking, yes littering

Where did the curb go?

Sighting of the elusive trash can