AURORA, IL — Aurora is going to see its very first gay pride parade this June. The Inaugural Pride Parade, hosted by Indivisible Aurora, is the first of its kind in the town and is sure to be a great time.
"This is unique in that it's the first of its kind in the western suburbs, and it's long overdue in a city of Aurora's size and diversity," organizer Gwyn Ciesla said, according to the Aurora Beacon-News. "Other communities have begun planning their own celebrations, such as Bolingbrook, and we couldn't be more pleased."
The June 17 parade starts at noon. They'll march off at South River Street and West Benton Street, crossing the Fox. They'll circle back on West Downer Place, ending at South River Street.
Ciesla said one major reason for the parade is so Aurora's LGBTQ community doesn't have to travel far to show their pride. "The broad motivation for this event is to show support for the LGBTQ membersof our community, but our particular focus is LGBTQ youth," Ciesla said, the Beacon-News reports. "While many have supportive families and schools, not all are so lucky."
Scott Mackay and Danielle Tufano of 95.9 the River are emceeing the event, and tons of local business are offering specials all day.
Parade Route:
- Start at South River Street and West Benton Street
- Go southeast on West Benton Street
- Go northeast on South Broadway
- Go northwest on West Downer Place
- End at South River Street and West Downer Place
See the map below to for parade route, parking, restrooms and local stores, via Indivisible Aurora.
There will also be free HIV status checks provided by Open Door Health Center of Illinois, according to the parade website.
This free event is open to everybody, so whether you're gay, straight, trans, bisexual—it doesn't matter—you will be accepted and welcome.
