
The Chicago Wolves are proud to support Pride. We are dedicated to doing our part to uplift the LGBTQ+ community. The organization embraces continued efforts to provide safe spaces of belonging for everyone, believing that hockey is a sport for all to enjoy.
To show your support all season, check out the link to access our Pride gear and accessories, Chicago Wolves Store/Pride. And stay tuned for the return of Mystery Pride Pucks for the upcoming season.
Facts
Why is the term Pride used?
On June 28, 1969, the New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a bar frequented by gay and gender-nonconforming people (at a time when terms like LGBTQ+ did not yet exist). They attempted to arrest the gay and trans bar patrons, which started a series of protests against the police. Partially in response to Stonewall, in 1970, queer activists in New York City organized a march to Central Park with the theme “Gay Pride.” Pride means, among other things, “a becoming or dignified sense of what is due to oneself or one’s position or character.” By adopting this term, the LGBTQ+ community is asserting its right to exist freely, without shame.
The Pride Flag and What it Means
Gilbert Baker, an activist from San Francisco, USA, designed this 8-stripe flag to represent the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. At the request of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the history of California, Gilbert was commissioned to create an image of pride for the gay community. Recognizing that flags are one of the most important characteristics of self-identity, the design was printed onto a flag.
The flag was first revealed during the 1978 Gay Freedom Day Parade in San Francisco. However, due to color shortages, the pink and turquoise stripes had to be removed from the flags design altogether, and the blue was amended to a different shade. The removal of the hot pink and turquoise stripes led to the six-stripe version of the Rainbow Pride Flag we know today, comprised of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. For over 40 years, the Rainbow flag has represented the LGBTQ+ community and is one of the most well-known pride flags. It is this version of the flag that is famous around the world, and has since become an iconic representation of freedom, equality and unity.
Celebrating Pride
In the United States, the last Sunday in June was initially celebrated as ‘Gay Pride Day,’ but the actual day was flexible. In major cities across the nation the ‘day’ soon grew to encompass a month-long series of events. Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally and internationally.
The Importance of Pride and Your Support
Pride events are about human rights, empowering LGBTQ+ individuals to reclaim the rights and freedoms they are denied, and the public space from which they often feel excluded. Visibility is crucial to fighting shame and social stigma, marching in the face of threats and violence. Pride events inspire celebrations of difference and show that LGBTQ+ communities will not to be intimidated and will continue to demand equality.
Suggested Charities and Organizations Links
Affinity
A social justice organization serving the needs of the Black LGBTQ+ community with a particular focus on black women. Our priorities are in supporting education, health, wellness and safety, as well as advocacy, organizing and civic engagement.
Visit WebsiteBrave Space Alliance
Brave Space Alliance is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center located on the South Side of Chicago, dedicated to creating and providing affirming, culturally competent, for-us by-us resources, programming, and services for LGBTQ+ individuals on the South and West sides of the city.
Visit WebsiteCenter on Halsted
Dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ people of Chicagoland.
Visit WebsiteEquality Illinois
On behalf of 500,000 LGBTQ+ Illinoisans, Equality Illinois is the state’s oldest, largest and most effective advocacy organization dedicated to defending rights for LGBTQ+ Illinoisans. Equality Illinois builds a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and social justice through education, advocacy, and protection of the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
Visit WebsiteFamily Equality
Creating a world where everyone can experience family. Founded in 1979 at the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, Family Equality has spent more than 40 years ensuring that everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing equality for the LGBTQ+ community.
Visit WebsiteGay For Good
Through volunteer service we aim to increase LGBTQ+ visibility, cultivate understanding, and build positive relationships between diverse groups of people, while helping the environment, animals and people in need. Gay for Good has chapters in twenty cities, including the greater Chicagoland area where they have facilitated more than 150 volunteer events in service to 36 Chicago nonprofits.
Visit WebsiteLGBTQ+ Center at Kenneth Young
Here at the LGBTQ+ Center at Kenneth Young, we offer youth programming, advocacy opportunities, professional trainings and community events throughout the year. Young adults can find opportunities for social gatherings, networking, job and career support by emailing the Center and getting involved with our North Suburban Pride Network for queer professionals.
Visit WebsitePride Arts
Pride Arts is the premiere not-for-profit organization that exhibits, promotes, and champions LGBTQ artists through all media and art forms. Pride Arts is able to provide these outlets through its many patrons, and with your generous support it will champion them for many years to come.
Visit WebsiteThe Liam Foundation
Our mission is to encourage, heal, and empower the LGBTQ+ community in Northern Illinois through Love, Integrity, Advocacy, and Mentorship.
Visit Website