Fahrenheit Chicago-Pride South on the Lake kicked off an all-day gathering at Oakwood Beach on Aug. 27.
Equality Illinois and AIDS Foundation on Chicago hosted the South Side beach party. Vendor booths surrounded the lakeshore area, offering services from health screenings to voter registration. Signatures for members of Congress in protest of President Trump's ban on transgender service members were collected on the spot.
The presenting sponsor was Howard Brown Health Center and the supporting partner was Center on Halsted. CALOR-AHF, which supports Latinx people living with AIDS also had a big presence by sponsoring the main stage and offering tons of swag.
The Lighthouse Beach Service Pastor Jamie Frazier began the program with announcements and presented food at their nearby tent for attendees. Various DJs played music throughout the day supporting the talent as well. Guests from the crowd competed for a panel of local judges with dance moves. A drag show had Baton legends such as Mimi Marks lip synching to Madonna and Sheri Payne performing Diana Ross in the park.
Comedians Mz. Ruff n Stuff, Trina Tru Luv, and Otis Mack kept the show moving and lively. Performers Cakes Da Killa and Cor.Ece had the crowd grooving and dancing on the mostly rain free day.
A ceremony closed the evening in recognition of Anne Carmack of the CORE Foundation and Serette King of Howard Brown Health.
The party continued as people moved from 41st St. to 75th St. for an official late night after party at Club Escape that was also hosted by Mz. Ruff n Stuff.
Photos by Jerry Nunn and Vern Hester