Chicago Pride Parade organizers call on mayor to restore event to original capacity

Mayor Brandon Johnson walks in the 2023 Chicago Pride Parade. Parade organizers have asked the mayor to lift restrictions on the 2024 parade that have decreased the number of participants by 35%.
Mayor Brandon Johnson walks in the 2023 Chicago Pride Parade. Parade organizers have asked the mayor to lift restrictions on the 2024 parade that have decreased the number of participants by 35%. Photo credit Chicago Pride Parade

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Organizers of the 2024 Chicago Pride Parade have asked Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to restore this year's parade to its original capacity, following an April decision from the Johnson administration to significantly cap the number of approved parade entries.

Members of Johnson’s Advisory Council on LGBTQ+ Affairs called on the mayor to reconsider plans that would decrease the number of parade entries by 35%.

The city cited safety and logistic concerns as the reason for the changes.

Organizers said the city needs to support the LGBTQ+ community by continuing the tradition of the event being one of the most powerful pride parades in the world.

They have offered to start the parade early to accommodate Chicago police shift changes and have asked for full participation to be restored, which is currently capped at 125 entries — down from 200.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Chicago Pride Parade