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NewsWBEZ ChicagoJune 29, 2026United States

55th Annual Chicago Pride Parade Highlights Community Resilience

The 55th annual Chicago Pride Parade drew thousands to Lake View to celebrate LGBTQ+ identity and advocate for human rights. The event featured 155 parade entrants and highlighted the Puerto Rican Cultural Center's work in public health and housing justice.

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Why It Matters

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed three new laws affecting LGBTQ+ residents, including mandates for insurance coverage of hormone medications and changes to state prescription tracking.

Key Facts

  • Governor JB Pritzker signed three new laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights, including insurance requirements for hormone prescriptions.
  • The new laws require Illinois insurance companies to provide at least six months of hormone medication to patients.
  • The new laws remove testosterone from the state’s prescription tracking system.
  • The 55th annual Chicago Pride Parade took place on Sunday with 155 entrants.
  • The parade route spanned 20 blocks in Lake View, starting near North Broadway and North Sheridan Road.
  • The Puerto Rican Cultural Center served as the parade's 'Out Front' leader.
  • Ricardo Jiménez, a former political activist and current HIV/AIDS counselor, led the parade troupe.
  • The parade theme for this year was 'Free to Be Proud'.

Who's Mentioned

personBill Clinton“Former U.S. President who granted clemency to Ricardo Jiménez in 1999.”personMiley Asari“Parade attendee from Roscoe Village.”personSharon Cochran“Oak Park resident and PFLAG member providing 'free mom hugs' at the parade.”otherChicago Pride Parade“Annual event celebrating LGBTQ+ community.”personJB Pritzker“Governor of Illinois who signed three LGBTQ+ protection bills.”personRicardo Jiménez“Director of public health initiatives for the Puerto Rican Cultural Center and p”organizationPuerto Rican Cultural Center“Organization that led the parade and operates the Vida/SIDA program.”