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Pride Parade makeover

19 ways to make the Boystown event even better.

By TOC staff
Published: June 21, 2012

19. Keep the Grand Marshal local. Billy Bean? Chely Wright? We’re glad these folks have come out for the parade, but aside from bragging that we saw George Takei’s elbow while eight people deep on Halsted Street, why not stick with local heroes selected by online voting? Our choices would include:

382.ac.ft.Pride.makeOver
Billie Jean King
Jim Darby
Vernita Grey
  • Billie Jean King

    Billie Jean King Obama awarded tennis legend King, who divides her time between New York and Chicago, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 for her activism on behalf of women and the LGBT community. She’s made her mark locally by helping fund the Center on Halsted, where a recreation hall was named in her honor.

    382.ac.ft.pride.makeover.BillieJeanxSS.jpgBillie Jean King154394261
  • Jim Darby

    Jim Darby U.S. vet Darby, who served in the Navy during the Korean War and is the Midwest vice president for American Veterans for Equal Rights, made headlines earlier this month as the lead plaintiff in a historic lawsuit seeking marriage equality in Illinois. He and partner Patrick Bova, who live in Hyde Park, have been together for nearly 50 years.

    Photo: Jamie Kraus382.ac.ft.pride.makeover.jimdarbyxSS.jpgJim Darby154394312
  • Vernita Grey

    Vernita Gray The longtime activist and Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Famer’s numerous accomplishments include starting a hotline for LGBT people in her home in 1969 and cofounding the first Chicago lesbian newspaper (Lavender Woman) in 1971. She’s also the subject of a new book, Vernita Gray: From Woodstock to the White House, out this month.—Jason A. Heidemann

    Photo: Hal Baim/Windy City Times382.ac.ft.pride.makeover.VernitaGreyxSS.jpg Vernita Grey154394363

Billie Jean King Obama awarded tennis legend King, who divides her time between New York and Chicago, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 for her activism on behalf of women and the LGBT community. She’s made her mark locally by helping fund the Center on Halsted, where a recreation hall was named in her honor.

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