Thousands of people came out to Chicago's Pride Fest, held June 22-23 on Halsted Street from Addison Street and Grace Street.
Singer Martha Wash headlined the event, marking the 30th anniversary of "It's Raining Men," which she sang with Izora Rhodes when they formed the duo Two Tons O' Fun. Another popular performer was Frenchie Davis, a former contestant on American Idol and The Voice who recently revealed she's been dating another woman for more than a year.
Jojo, Inaya Day, Chicago Redline, Inaya Day, the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus, Dot Dot Dot and various drag performers such as Tajma Hall and Sheri Payne helped ensure that the masses were entertained.
Another highlight of the two-day event was Miss Foozie's Pet Parade. Decked out in a sundress and clutching a pink parasol, Foozie led the parade from one end of the Pride Fest site to the other. Jax, a French Bulldog/Boston Terrier mix, won first place with the help of his Darth Vader get-up; owner Marii Langjar sported a Princess Leia hairdo and a costume. Their prizes included 200 poop bags, dog treats and a gift certificate to Halsted's Bar and Grill.
Assistance: Alex Lubischer