Pride South Side Festival: A Celebration of Black and Brown LGBTQ+ Communities

The pride flag swayed with each of Jordan Scott’s steps as he danced at Pride South Side. This Chicago festival offered him a unique sense of belonging not found elsewhere. Rochelle Robinson-Dukes and Kennette Crockett joined the celebration at the DuSable Black History Museum, marking a vibrant event in Chicago’s Washington Park neighborhood.

Scott, attending for the second year, remarked, “I chose this over North Side events for the vibe, atmosphere, and the people.” The festival has spotlighted the Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community for eight years, featuring music, drag shows, panels, and tours at the museum. Chris Huerta from the Brave Space Alliance emphasized the festival’s importance, stating, “It creates community right in our backyard, adding joy for people of color.”

Artist D. Little displayed embroidered landscapes and a tapestry of sci-fi author Octavia Butler for the first time at the South Side festival. Unlike the more expensive North Side pride events, Little found the DuSable Museum event affordable and more inclusive. “I feel more seen here,” he shared.

Oriana Koren of Edgewater, vending at the festival, observed a diverse mix of attendees. Running a stall with books, Koren has been collecting Black art since 2016 to preserve its cultural value against potential suppression. “We have endured forced illiteracy,” Koren said. “We pass on crucial information to protect it.”

The idea for the festival arose from Adrienne Irmer after a 2018 health study revealed elevated HIV infection rates on Chicago’s South and West sides. Recognizing these areas as under-resourced, Irmer aimed to combine cultural celebration with healthcare outreach. Healthcare organizations like Vivent Health shared information and resources with festival-goers, aiming to rebuild trust within the Black queer community.

Jordan Braxton from Vivent Health stressed the need for culturally sensitive care. “Many in the Black queer community lack trust in healthcare,” she remarked, underlining efforts to rebuild this trust. In reaction to federal budget cuts for HIV prevention, voting resources were also distributed.

Ken Remé from AIDS Healthcare Foundation emphasized community involvement. He highlighted the importance of relatable spaces for disseminating health information. “The brotherhood and camaraderie here are vital for personal growth,” he commented.

Meanwhile, Paulo Colby enriched the festival with fitness activities like pilates and volleyball, fostering a health-focused mindset. “If the community values self-care, you’ll care for yourself,” Colby noted. He acknowledged challenges faced by attendees of North Side events and celebrated the South Side as a welcoming space. “Even if temporary, it’s necessary,” he concluded.