Pride Fest in Irwin Park: ‘Homewood has my back'

Chicago Tribune

21-06-2025

Homewood's Amy Crump wore a blue T-shirt with a humorous message on the front.
It said, 'I don't mind straight people as long as they act gay in public.'
For the record, Crump is not gay and has been married for 38 years. However, she does have three gay children and that's one of the reasons she has attended all three of the Homewood-Flossmoor Pride Fests, including this year's version, which took place Friday at Irwin Park in Homewood.
'I'm all about supporting the people who are not the same as us,' she said.
Crump said such pride events are a step in the right direction, even through there is still a lot of resistance when it comes to accepting gays and their lifestyles.
'We haven't come far enough but we are a lot farther than we were,' she said. 'But love is love is love.'
Her daughter, 25-year-old Mica Crump, attended Friday's celebration and said she is proudly gay. She appreciates being able to come out to an event such as Pride Fest and feel comfortable.
'I love that this suburb is doing this,' she said. 'A lot of suburbs don't have this. It's something you see in the city. But Homewood has my back. I like it here.'
Mica was active in Homewood-Flossmoor High School's Gay-Straight Alliance and said she found acceptance there.
She liked Pride Fest is able to draw different types of people, including families.
'It makes me so happy to see the little kid wearing the pride merch,' Mica said.
The fest featured food, drinks, vendors offering various services and music from The Divas and the Bel Canto Choir.
Organizers said the first two Pride Fests drew between 1,200 and 1,400 patrons.
There were a few speeches regarding the importance of the fest, inclusion and continuing the fight for acceptance.
U.S. Robin Kelly, the 2nd District representative who announced in May that she is running for the U.S. Senate, spoke about not giving up the fight.
'Despite what looks like an ugly climate and despite what is an ugly climate, those of us out here and beyond are saying they are not taking this,' she said. 'Do me a favor. Do not get weary. That's what they want you to do.
'We have to fight the good fight and we have allies in congress. Many allies,' Kelly said.
She said that everyone needs to stay together and respect each other.
'At the end of the day, we are all human beings,' she said. 'We all have something to contribute to this society.
'I want you to know I am fighting the good fight for you in Washington and I will continue to fight that fight,' she said.
Park District Recreation Supervisor Zac Kerby urged patrons at the fest to have fun but to reflect on the struggles that gay and trans people have to go through.
'It's more than a celebration,' he said. 'It's a reminder of how far we've come and how much further we still have to go.
'Today, we honor the courage, the resilience and the joy of the LGBTQIA-plus community. Here in this space, everyone is seen and everyone is heard. Everyone is valued.'
Homewood-Flossmoor Park Board member Angie Coderre wore a shirt that said 'Gay Mom' and although her two young children were not interested in addressing the crowd, she had good things to say about the success of Pride Fest.
'Today is always a special day for me personally,' she said. 'I came back here to raise my family with my wife and two kids. This always touches my heart in a way that is impossible without this community.'
Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld gave a brief welcome and Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson led crowd in a chant.
'Thank you for coming out to support individuals in their journey to find love, acceptance and resiliency,' Nelson said. 'That journey is so much better when you are not doing it alone. It's important to have the support of friends, family and neighbors.'
The fest is a collaboration of the Park District and the two villages. Oralethea Davenport, who manages special events for the Park District, said the first two years were successful.
'It's one of our largest attended events,' she said. 'And this is an event for anyone and everyone. Families. Individuals. Supporters, Everyone.
'Anyone who wants to come out is more than welcome.'