Pride Festival a source of support, fun, love for Elgin's LGBTQ+ community

Chicago Tribune

2 days ago

Jeffrey Wright's rainbow Superman costume fit right in at Saturday's Elgin Pride Festival.
Joking that he felt 'super gay' that morning, Wright said there was another reason behind his choice of attire.
'Today is a day that helps us understand we don't have to wear a mask,' said Wright, program and development director for Elgin Pride. 'We don't have to change after we leave our bedroom and start feeling guilty about ourselves or scared about what we will run into.'
Some in the queer community feel like they must mask their identity, he said, but 'in Elgin, we don't have to do that.'
ELGbtq+'s third annual Elgin Pride Festival, held in downtown Festival Park following an annual parade, drew 70 vendors offering everything from makeovers and Pride merchandise to mental health assistance and handmade items.
Claire Goodman, owner of Big Sister Beauty and a Sephora beauty advisor, helped create an Elgin Pride glam look for fest-goers who wanted to change up their appearance. Anyone who underwent the makeover could have a commemorative photo taken by Kenzie in Motion and/or an illustration done by Adrian Mesino.
'We're all queer. This is our way to support our community and bring our art to the Elgin community,' Goodman said.
A makeover helps people bring out their inner selves and project outward confidence, she said. 'I believe confidence is a human right,' she said.
Beyond that, she wanted to be part of the positive feeling being generated by the gathering, she said.
'I love the energy here,' Goodman said. 'I think it's a beautiful celebration. I love people of all ages and backgrounds getting involved.'
Those attending the fest provided a colorful scene thanks to their rainbow T-shirts, headgear and Pride flags. It was an all-ages affair, with many family members attending to show love and support for their loved ones and all those who are LGBTQ+.
'You are not just an ally for queer people; you are an ally for everybody who feels marginalized,' Wright said. 'That's what today is about. It's about making sure anybody who feels marginalized is part of Elgin's community.
'We are unapologetically Elgin. It's who we are,' Wright said. 'We are here to listen. We are here to celebrate and educate.'
Sheila Boes, a 25-year Elgin resident, marched in her first Pride parade as part of the Side Street Studio Arts contingent.
'I loved it,' Boes said. 'I was so excited so many of my community came out. It's a celebration of love and acceptance.'
Being embraced by the 'beautiful, warm-hearted people in Elgin' and seeing such a cross-section of people, including police officers, scouts and church members, made her feel good, she said.
Boes, a former middle school teacher at Larsen Middle School, was decked out in a lighted cape that made it look like she had rainbow wings.
As a teacher, she always advocated for disenfranchised youth, noting that suicide is still a big problem for LGBTQ+ people, she said. Suicide, bullying and hate cries are real issues, she said.
'I think seeing something like this will help carry someone struggling through (those issues),' Boes said. 'If they don't feel supported by their immediate family, they can start to make connections and realize there are people out there (for them.)
'I saw people wearing 'Free Dad Hugs' and 'Free Mom Hugs' shirts. It brings tears to my eyes that people would run up to a total stranger for that free hug because they aren't getting it (from their family). I don't think you can underestimate the importance of a public presence on an issue like this for people who feel disenfranchised.'
With all the headlines, increased danger and crimes against the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender people, it's so important to get active locally and show the support in your local community, Boes added.
'(It's) different than maybe what you are hearing on the news or social media,' she said.