The third annual Pride in Park Ridge Community Celebration took place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 5 at Hodges Park. This event is a community-led LGBTQ+ celebration for all ages, organized by local congregations, organizations, and volunteers.

It featured a keynote speaker, food trucks, children’s activities, drag performances, local vendors, and information booths hosted by organizations serving the LGBTQIA+ community. Members of the Kiki Queens Chicago drag cabaret troupe performed live, with all proceeds going to LGBTQ+ community organizations. Kiki Queens and supporters have raised over $200,000 for local nonprofits. Additional music was provided by DJ Gloria during the event.

Rev. Carol Hill, Senior Minister of Park Ridge Community Church and event program lead, emphasized the significance of local celebrations. “The presence and contributions of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer folks in Park Ridge and these northwest suburbs are phenomenal. Having a local celebration allows us to celebrate the beauty of living authentically and declare proudly and publicly that LGBTQ folks are vital to our community,” Hill said.

Many attendees, including Kat Labbe, praised the welcoming atmosphere of Park Ridge. “We feel such a welcoming vibe here in Park Ridge; it has become a place we can celebrate Pride in a space of safety and joy,” Labbe noted.

Pride in Park Ridge began in 2024 as an effort by local churches to support young people seeking public acknowledgment of queer identities. The event has grown exponentially since then. Last week, Park Ridge Mayor Marty Maloney proclaimed June as Pride Month in Park Ridge. The mayor’s remarks during the event highlighted the contributions of LGBTQ individuals to communities. “Pride Month provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many LGBTQ individuals who have helped shape communities and serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, fairness, and respect for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,” Maloney stated.

Two 14-year-old Park Ridge residents, Rae Hill and El McCarty, addressed the crowd with gratitude to the Mayor and City Council. “Thank you for allowing us to look forward to a future filled with the possibility of love and acceptance rather than one based on fear,” Hill expressed. McCarty added, “Everyone should feel that they belong in our schools, feel safe shopping or walking down the street. Thank you and Happy Pride.”

Keynote speaker Channyn Lynne Parker, CEO of Equality Illinois, shared insightful messages during the celebration. “You don’t have to be LGBTQ to understand or celebrate pride. We all know what it’s like to want to be loved, to be valued for who we are, to be seen,” Parker remarked.

Parker, the first Black transgender woman to lead Equality Illinois, is a renowned human rights advocate with over two decades of experience advancing LGBTQ+ justice, racial equity, and community-based solutions across Illinois. “Our community lives everywhere in Illinois, and so does our work. Showing up in Park Ridge says something simple and true: we belong here too,” she added.

The event saw support from various local restaurants, food vendors, and organizations. Participating organizations included Action Ridge, Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches, Free Mom Hugs, The Harbour, The Juniper Center, Park Ridge Public Library, among others. Local businesses like Barb’s Custom Rocks and Fred Astaire Dance Studio also contributed.

Donations and sponsorships were welcomed, with tiers starting from $1 to $3,500 or more. Advocate Health was the first-ever platinum sponsor, while gold-level sponsors included First United Methodist Church, Park Ridge Community Church, and St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, among others.

Local author Ron Stempkowski signed copies of his book, “The Luck We Carry,” with proceeds supporting the Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois (TJLP), which offers free legal services to low-income and street-based transgender people.

Rev. Hill reflected on the growing support and community spirit. “The energy is building, the support is growing, and neighbors are seeing how to love and respect one another in all the beautiful diversity that we embody. Eyes and hearts were opened on Friday; love and support was realized,” Hill concluded.