Unlike other Sundays, the last Sunday of June was marked with gigantic crowds, loud music and dancing at the 44th annual Chicago Pride Parade in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood June 30.

“Born Gay – Follow the Ray,” “Marriage equality. Civil rights for ALL!!!” “We are committed to winning the freedom to marry!” were some of the messages displayed on signs at the festive parade.

 “Unbelievable,” Dan Matheny, 28, said when asked to describe the parade. “People here are really great. However, my friend is mocking me because I am depressingly straight – I am wearing my cargo shorts and black shirt.”

For Jose Granado, 19, this was his fifth time at the Chicago Pride Parade. He said this year’s parade was much more entertaining and exciting.

“I had more fun (this year) than other years,” Granado said. “Also, it’s because I am here with my boyfriend.”

Unlike Granado, Chris Santore, 23, a recent graduate of DePaul, never attended the parade before.

“It’s my first time at the Pride Parade in Chicago,” Santore said. “I think it’s pretty cool – bright colors, crazy costumes – everyone seems to be in a very good mood.”

According to ChicagoPride.com, last year’s parade estimated around 850,000 people. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, about 1 million people attended this year’s parade – a gathering organizers say is the biggest political and social event in the city’s LGBT community.
Due to overcrowded sidewalks, some people climbed on top of mailboxes and fire hydrants to watch the parade while others watched from their balconies, throwing necklaces down to the people on the floats.

“The parade is wonderful,” Megen Mason, a restaurant manager in Chicago, said.

Mason attended the parade for the first time to support her friends.

“I came here because two of my best friends are lesbians, and I just wanted to be with them,” Mason said. “Also, I came here to support the gay community.”

The parade was organized by Pride Chicago under the direction of parade coordinator Richard Pfeiffer, according to ChicagoPride.com.

While some people enjoy watching and observing the parade, others use it as a chance to express themselves.

“The parade is our way to express who we are,” Granado said. “We can do something crazy, like wearing high-heels.”

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that in 2011, Illinois allowed civil unions. However, official gay marriage legalization in Illinois has been halted and proponents have vowed to reinforce and continue supporting the issue.

“There is nothing in the constitution saying that we can’t marry,” Josue Silva, 19, Granado’s boyfriend said. “Why people keep saying we can’t marry – I have no idea. They say it’s in religion. Even if it is so, the Bible says man must love man – people must love each other.”

The parade’s line-up involved more than 200 entries that included vibrant parade floats and marching bands in addition to representatives from local businesses, organizations and the city government.

The parade was reminiscent of the Mardi Gras carnival with vibrant outfits, roaring crowds, festive parade floats and topless people dancing to “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5. This year, Chicago celebrated one of the warmest, brightest and most colorful events that promote equal rights and love for everyone.