Chicago kicks off Pride Month with powerful brunch event

CHICAGO — Pride Month in Chicago kicked off Sunday with a brunch hosted by Equality Illinois. The event celebrated the LGBTQ+ community and advocated for equality.

“At a very critical moment in our world’s history, it’s good to know that the fight for justice, the fight for our humanity, still lives on in the soul of this city,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said.

Mayor Brandon Johnson was one of several friends and allies who filled Venue West for the 2025 Pride Kick-Off Brunch, sharing words of resilience and support.

“Let it be known, in the City of Chicago, we will never flinch or coward or buckle,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “In fact, we will come back even stronger on the other side and our democracy will continue to evolve and Pride Month will always be here.”

Mayor Brandon Johnson also mentioned how Chicago has joined a multi-city lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s anti-identity conditions in order to get grants.

“We have been through ups as a community like marriage equality. We have been through downs like the aid’s crisis,” Brian Johnson, Equality Illinois’ CEO, said. “It’s just a reminder that no matter what is thrown at the queer community, we will be there for each other.”

Brian Johnson has led the civil rights organization for the past decade but announced that at the end of the month, he will be stepping down.

“There is no plateau in civil rights. There is no inertia in democracy. We have to constantly be working to maintain your rights and maintain your wins. And I know the organization will continue to do that going forward,” Brian Johnson said.

It was announced that Channyn Lynne Parker will serve as interim CEO while the search for a permanent replacement takes place.

Kristen Kaza of Slo’Mo and businessman Mark Lieberson were honored for their community work and shown as examples of the continued effort in the fight to maintain wins and defend rights.  

Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot was among the attendees.

“You see this room: people celebrating, not afraid, living their authentic life and really that’s what pride is all about,” Lightfoot said.

This event kicked off a number of celebrations that run through the month of June, including staples like the city’s pride parade, art shows, neighborhood festivals and more.