Women's Pride Party Back Lot Bash Celebrates 15 Years

CHICAGO, IL — Over the past 15 years, the Back Yard Bash has grown from a single-day event to a four-day weekend party, drawing thousands of people from across the Midwest and around the world. Co-founders Amie Klujian and Christina Wiesmore created Back Yard Bash to connect the community together, organizers said. More than 6,000 people are expected to attend the four-day event.

"The event is produced and sponsored by women, for women, and stands out among other Lesbian events across the nation for its unique ability to maintain an intimate feel while drawing thousands of attendees," organizers stated in a media release.

Organizers said the event's growth has been "remarkable" considering lesbian bars, spaces, festivals and publications are disappearing across the country.

"On our 15th Anniversary, we feel proud to have created a unique and inclusive space for women in the LGBTQ community that is safe, allows for self expression and fosters a sense of connection to the community," Klujian said in a statement. "We hope that the energy harnessed by all who attend is used to ignite momentum, engagement and advocacy of issues that matter to the LGBTQ Community."

Klujian and Wiesmore have been "trailblazers," and have "changed the game for women achieving power through their remarkable ability to take a chance, shake off-stereotypes, fight adversity and break the glass ceiling in their respective professional fields paving their own ways," organizers said in a statement.

The event offers entertainment by popular female artists — headliners include DJ and lesbian icon Kate Moennig (from Showtime’s original series, The L Word), KITTENS, Brooke Candy, rapper and Chicagoan Jade The Ivy, Bridget Lyons, Whitney Mixter and more.

Here is a list of upcoming Back Yard Bash events:

• Fri June 15 | Pride Month Girls Night Out, Mary’s Attic in Andersonville
• Fri June 22 | Back Lot Bash’s ‘Whiskey, Wine & Women’ A Pride Tasting Event
• Sat June 23 | Back Lot Bash’s ‘Pride Family Fest’ /11am-2pm
• Sat June 23 | Back Lot Bash’s Flagship Outdoor Music Fest / 5-10pm All Day Bash
• Sun June 24 | Back Lot Bash’s Post Parade Outdoor Music Fest / Post Parade Bash

Top image courtesy of Back Lot Bash/ILDK Media