Gay Pride Parade (Chicago, Ashland, Sheffield: rent, lawyer, legality)

[Muppet123]

[mod cut]the parade is a great time even for those of us who are not gay. I used to live in Lakeview at Broadway and Melrose, it really spreads out throughout the neighborhood, one huge festive and well groomed party

[Chicagoland60426]

Originally Posted by Muppet123

Last comment aside.... the parade is a great time even for those of us who are not gay. I used to live in Lakeview at Broadway and Melrose, it really spreads out throughout the neighborhood, one huge festive and well groomed party

Last year the parade drawed in 400,000 people from what I heard on the news. I am certain that everyone there wasn't gay/bi.

[Costa Rica Chica]

Oooooh. I wanna go. I haven't been since I was in college. It's a ton of fun, best people watching ever! I would love to bring my son, he'd get a kick out of the costumes and music. Remind me which El stop to get off at?

[i_am_hydrogen]

It depends on where you want to watch the parade. Diversey (Brown Line) and Belmont (Red Line) will get you close.

[Carantini]

Originally Posted by Costa Rica Chica

Oooooh. I wanna go. I haven't been since I was in college. It's a ton of fun, best people watching ever! I would love to bring my son, he'd get a kick out of the costumes and music. Remind me which El stop to get off at?

Yes, children LOVE it. But dont show them too much, it might traumatize them. just about 20 minutes and go. Very close to nudity and other stuff like that.

[surlycue]

Originally Posted by Carantini

Yes, children LOVE it. But dont show them too much, it might traumatize them. just about 20 minutes and go. Very close to nudity and other stuff like that.

Young kids don't notice things like that. I brought my 10 month old last year and will be bringing her again this year. There are tons of kids there and there are plenty of activities that cater to them from face painting to balloons and other treats. The parade itself is flamboyant but it's not like hardcore rear entry is happening on the floats.

[coldwine]

Originally Posted by surlycue

Young kids don't notice things like that. I brought my 10 month old last year and will be bringing her again this year. There are tons of kids there and there are plenty of activities that cater to them from face painting to balloons and other treats. The parade itself is flamboyant but it's not like hardcore rear entry is happening on the floats.

That's more Hydrate's thing.

Incidentally, I'd like to point out that 5:30 am on a Saturday morning is also a good time to catch a more festive, albeit informal gay pride parade.

Ah, good times, good times.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Costa Rica Chica

... Remind me which El stop to get off at?

Use Sheridan, Addison, Belmont, Wellington (for next year when it is open again), or Diversey and then walk east.

IMO the parade is much safer for kids around Grace/Broadway/Halsted where the route turns around on the north end.

[alwaystraveling25]

Originally Posted by coldwine

That's more Hydrate's thing.

Incidentally, I'd like to point out that 5:30 am on a Saturday morning is also a good time to catch a more festive, albeit informal gay pride parade.

Ah, good times, good times.

This gay man could not agree more. I cannot remember a night where walking down Halsted after 2AM on a weekend night (or some weekdays, for that matter) didn't involve people yelling "hey girl", trannies getting into fights or yelling at each other, people making out, or some other over-the-top drama.

Off Topic, but if no one has ever walked from Halsted to Sheffield down Belmont around 2AM on Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday is missing out on the most hysterical gathering of trannies and other interesting people. Seriously. I feel very "Plain Jane" walking down the street at that time.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by alwaystraveling25

...Off Topic, but if no one has ever walked from Halsted to Sheffield down Belmont around 2AM on Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday is missing out on the most hysterical gathering of trannies and other interesting people. Seriously. I feel very "Plain Jane" walking down the street at that time.

Personally I think there is more trans action on Halsted between Addison and Belmont than on Belmont between Halsted and Sheffield for some years now.