music we love – pride festival edition

In 2000, President Bill Clinton declared June to be “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month” in honor of the Stonewall Riots. Last year, President Obama expanded the title to be more inclusive: June is now “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Asexual Pride Month.” We at Sine Qua Non believe that everyone has the freedom to live the life they love. We have so much pride for Pride!

While this may be the last year the parade will be held in Boys town, (Pride is a rowdy experience) it is set to be one for the record books. Over 1 million people took part in last year’s Pride festivities in historic Boys town and the festival only plans to grow this year.  With tons and tons of events throughout Chicago there is no chance you can’t find something to get excited about!

While there will be many a Drag Queen Performance throughout Pride, we are excited for this year’s lineup of ladies. Including 80’s pop star Debbie Gibson! Gibson has attended and performed at many Pride festivals throughout the country and will surely be a pop sentational contribution to Chicago Pride. Whether it be on or off Broadway, Gibson rocks us with her vocals and platinum blonde hair.

The Veronicas will also be playing on June 20th, this will be their first Chicago Pride. These two Australian ladies have us applying red lipstick and holding onto our friends as their femme-punk-pop sound rips through our minds.

This year’s shining star is Grand Marshall, Ty Herndon. Herndon is one of the first openly gay country singers and is bringing a much-needed wave of love and acceptance to the country music audience.

Chicago Pride’s website is full of really helpful information about the parade route and events. It’s incredibly easy to use! Pride weather always seems to be hot and muggy so make sure you drink plenty of water before attending the parade.

At the end of the day, Pride is all about being proud of who you are, whoever that may be. This is your chance to show your pride with vibrant hair and makeup!

We personally love Bumble and Bumble’s Spray Chalk, which allows you to enjoy temporary fashion colors that wash out when you’re over it. There are no rules when it comes to dressing for Pride. Roll your entire body in glitter! Wear that Diamond cut-out racer back crop top you’ve had stored in your closet all winter. Be true to you and show your pride!

Vivian Ellis is a Salon Coordinator by day and stalker of music by night. When not performing herself, she works at the historical iO theatre. Providing lights and sound for many a comedy shows.