Dyke March Chicago Moves to Pilsen
This year's annual Dyke March is set for Pilsen on Saturday, a first in the March's 12 year history. With the only two "official" gay neighborhoods in Chicago being on the North side, a break from the traditional Andersonville is not without controversy.
"I just don't think moving the March to a traditionally Catholic neighborhood, suddenly and without warning, is outreach. This is not the way to do it," says Skye Cotton, a local activist and DJ. "I support Dyke March, I love the idea of broadening the scope, but not like this." Cotton has chosen not to march this year, a decision she wishes could be different.
Nevertheless, the March's organizers are pressing ahead. They believe moving the March has brought about rich dialogue involving race and class, and is worth the arguments it has provoked. "People have said all kinds of things, like asking if we think we'll get shot, and why? Because Pilsen is a Mexican neighborhood? I think some of those people have never even been down here," says organizer Tania Unzueta. "We live here, we are out, and we have never been shot."
Historically, the Dyke March is a grass roots movement with no floats, no processional order and is a direct reaction to the male-dominated commercialism of the Pride Parade. For some the main Pride Parade's emphasis on naked men and commercial sponsorships make the annual Pride Parade just a party, and not a diversity celebration. In the Dyke March, the emphasis is on the breakdown of gender stereotypes and sexism, both prevalent in the larger gay community. Dyke March Chicago always has made an effort to cross-section the LGBTQ universe better than any other gathering. Gender queers, lesbians and tranny boys are championed while the gay guys are the support.
Chicago is a liberal town, but sometimes its rough edges can show themselves. With its move to Pilsen, Dyke March Chicago is trying to show just how action oriented it is, and in doing so, it has elicited strong reactions from both sides. Whether you agree or not with the decision, this move is a moment in Chicago's queer history and for the organizers, you can choose to truly celebrate diversity or merely party with your own.
Dyke March Chicago Happens Saturday, June 28th with the gathering at 1 p.m. and step off at 2:30 p.m. from Halsted and 18th st. The rally, with guest speakers, poetry and performance, is set for Harrison Park. More information is available at myspace.com/dykemarchchicago