Pride Parade Seeking Participants, Volunteers In Buffalo Grove

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Those looking to participate, sponsor or volunteer in the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade and Picnic have a little over two weeks left to register, according to organizers. The annual event is scheduled for Sunday, June 4, 2023.

Since 2019, The Pinta Pride Project has put on the free family-friendly celebration during Pride Month. The event brings out more than 5,000 patrons each year with a goal to "celebrate and unite" the local LGBTQ+ community, according to organizers. In 2022, more than 100 groups and organizations participated in the parade, and the organization raised more than $40,000 in sponsorships.

The goal in 2023 is to top those numbers by recruiting 120 parade participants, raising $50,000 in sponsorships, and welcoming 7,000 attendees. They ask the community to help them fulfill their vision by registering as a parade participant or sponsor at BuffaloGrovePride.com. Registration will close on May 17, or until capacity is met.

In addition, the newly-formed BG Pride Parade Ambassador Program was created to build connections among LGBTQ+ youth and adults by assisting the organization with parade promotional efforts. Students can obtain internship credits and community service hours for participation. To register, visit bit.ly/prideparadeambassadors.com.

This year’s event celebrates "The Magic of Pride'' with a safe, compassionate, and loving experience for the LGBTQ+ community.

"We want every queer person in the northwest suburbs of Chicago to know they are loved and valued. Their hopes, dreams, and lives are important to us," said Carolyn Pinta, founder of the Pinta Pride Project.

Pinta said she is concerned with an increasing number of mental health crises and suicide rates among LGBTQ+ youth locally.

"We're angry about nationwide political and cultural attacks attempting to strip away their basic rights," Pinta said. "We create healthy children and families when the community shows up for one another – we can’t do this without you. We hope you will join us in standing up for love and acceptance."

The Pinta Pride Project was founded in 2019 by Buffalo Grove family Bob, Carolyn, and Molly Pinta. They aim to increase LGBTQ+ awareness within suburban communities through events and advocacy initiatives. Learn more about the organization here.