Chicago Pride Fest kicks off with heightened security following foiled white nationalist plot

“I believe it is cool. I like see everybody come collectively and present their sexuality and help for the whole lot,” mentioned Imani Drozd, an attendee.

For the primary time for the reason that begin of the pandemic, the annual legendary road competition returned to the town’s North Halsted Road hall.

Normally held the weekend earlier than the Chicago Pleasure Parade, this yr’s celebration of unity and neighborhood options two days of meals and fare together with dwell music, DJs, and drag exhibits on separate three levels.

“I do not know if I am in search of anybody particularly, I am simply excited for all of them,” mentioned Rachel Mafiarf.

Attendee Seneca Ammons additionally weighed in.

“Tomorrow is one of the best day in my view. Now we have the Juneteenth celebration,” Ammons mentioned.

Chicago native Dida Ritz, a contestant on season 4 of RuPaul’s “Drag Race,” wowed the group Saturday afternoon.

“Bear in mind satisfaction is not only for the gays. It is for everybody,” Ritz mentioned.

SEE ALSO | CPD seems into doable satisfaction parade threats after IL man, 30 others arrested for alleged plot

Safety was tight and there was a visual police presence for the competition following a foiled try by white nationalists to disrupt a satisfaction occasion in northern Idaho.

“Simply from how we entered and the way in which they searched us and stuff, it appears fairly good,” mentioned attendee Edmundo Gonzalez.

On the Pleasure Fest, there are safety checkpoints and no massive baggage are allowed, amongst different safety measures.

“We’re very snug with the protocols now we have in place. It should be a really protected and fun-filled weekend,” mentioned Chicago Pleasure Fest Chairperson Mark Liberson.

And whereas a lot of the focus is on enjoyable, for some there’s additionally concern about continued assaults on this neighborhood.

“The best way that laws federally across the nation, it is actually a possibility for us to showcase who we’re as a neighborhood and for us to come back collectively and say that our voices won’t be silenced,” mentioned Dustin Erikstrup of the AIDS Basis of Chicago.

However for the Sauer household, the day is about supporting their neighbors and the LGBTQ+ neighborhood.

“It is only a enjoyable, optimistic occasion,” Lauren Sauer mentioned.

And whereas security is a precedence, it is about celebrating and embracing the LGBTQ+ neighborhood, wherever you could be.

“I am so excited to see individuals out and having fun with themselves and the liberty that we had, that we actually misplaced for 2 years,” mentioned attendee Tony Odisho.