On Saturday, a vibrant crowd gathered to participate in the annual Berwyn Pride Walk, where cheers, music, and a display of colorful rainbows filled the atmosphere.
As the clock struck noon, about 250 attendees stepped off Metra trains, eagerly descending onto Windsor Avenue between Harlem and East avenues.
Wearing colorful leis and capes, and wielding heart-shaped fans and bright umbrellas, the pride and excitement were palpable.
Among them, one participant held a sparkling disco ball, reflecting sunlight as Donna Summer’s classic hits resonated from a portable speaker.
The event, organized by the city and the Berwyn Development Corp, aimed to foster a sense of community and acceptance.
Berwyn Ald. Joshua Bowman (2nd) made his way through the jubilant crowd and presented the Metra conductor with a rainbow flag, symbolizing unity and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
After a nearly mile-long march through Berwyn’s Depot District, attendees participated in craft-making activities, cheered on contestants in a “strut-your-stuff” competition, and savored treats from a local ice cream truck.
While undeniably smaller compared to the iconic Chicago Pride Parade that took place on the following Sunday, the Berwyn Pride Walk radiated the same essence of joy and acceptance.
Many participants expressed a preference for this more intimate suburban celebration, appreciating the opportunity to connect with familiar faces in their local environment.
For the predominantly Latino community in Berwyn, this event emphasizes the importance of diversity and the necessity of creating an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome.
Ivy Blanco, a 55-year-old former Berwyn resident now living in Stickney, voiced the significance of attending and representing the LGBTQ+ community in the suburbs.
“It’s great to have fun out there in Chicago, but I think it’s really important to come out and represent and support here in the surrounding small suburbs so that they know we’re here,” Blanco remarked.
The roots of the Berwyn Pride Walk stretch back nearly a decade, originating from discussions at Lavergne’s Tavern among locals who sought to create a platform for LGBTQ+ representation.
Gary Lennon and his brother-in-law Jousef Mondragon, among 48 other patrons, participated in the first march, driven by a desire for genuine representation in their community during a tumultuous time.
“We want to show that everybody is equal here and we love everybody, and that this is our community,” said Berwyn Mayor Robert Lovero, who also emphasized the importance of unity regardless of differences.
U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” Garcia, D-Ill., also attended the festivities and spoke about the challenges facing the Latino and LGBTQ+ communities amid escalating political tensions.
Garcia raised concerns regarding recent Supreme Court rulings affecting LGBTQ+ representation in education and highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by immigrant communities.
“Everyone who cares about democracy and the constitution should be concerned…to protect who we are and what our future is going to be,” he stated.
Blanco reflected on her experience participating in the march alongside her Mexican wife, Maria Garibay, acknowledging both the progress Berwyn has made in inclusivity and the ongoing concerns surrounding the current political climate.
“I remember being one of the only Latinas on the block. So to see the evolution and see how the population has grown — it’s nice to see that,” Blanco expressed.
With approximately 60% of Berwyn’s 55,000 residents identifying as Latino, the event serves as a testament to the community’s emphasis on diversity.
Businesses along Windsor Avenue joined the celebration, with workers emerging to cheer for the participants and distribute rainbow flags, vanilla cupcakes, and other supportive merchandise.
Madeline Sanchez, a 42-year-old Berwyn resident and self-proclaimed “sideline cheerleader,” expressed a heartfelt desire to support the LGBTQ+ community.
“I wish the parade were longer, but even if it’s 5 seconds, I’ll support it,” she stated, echoing the collective spirit of acceptance that characterizes Berwyn’s Pride Walk.
image source from:chicago