CHICAGO (WLS) — This year, diverging from tradition, the Chicago Pride Parade organizers are placing the spotlight on community organizations instead of celebrities.
The TaskForce Prevention and Community Services group will be at the front of the parade.
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Skai Underwood demonstrated the popular improvisation dance moves they call voguing Friday.
For the youth involved with TaskForce, this change is quite exciting. TaskForce is dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community with a particular emphasis on supporting youth of color.
“I love dancing. I use it as a stress reliever,” Underwood said.
The organization began some 35 years ago on the West Side. It focused initially on AIDS testing and prevention.
The organization identified a crucial need for safe, inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ youth. They have expanded to assist approximately 3,500 individuals annually, offering services such as a food pantry stocked with fresh produce, and a clothing depot where visitors can find donated items to boost their confidence in social and professional settings.
The facility also includes medical testing and counseling facilities.
“What TaskForce does is we provide not only that safe space, but also that space that affirms identity, helps to build self-worth and foster a sense of community,” Executive Director Chris Balthazar said.
Balthazar will serve as one of the grand marshals for this weekend’s Pride Parade. It’s one of the largest parades of its kind in the country.
Parade organizers say the current political climate has made life more difficult for many in the LGBTQ+ community, and they wanted to promote the important efforts happening in the community.
“We are so honored because I think that it highlights an organization that is not very well known quite frankly,” Balthazar said.
Underwood says TaskForce helped her with her identity when she was younger, and she loves helping young people now as part of the staff. But she says her favorite part is dancing. And she’s looking forward to doing it in front of the parade.
“It means a lot. It shows we are really doing the work. It recognizes us,” Underwood said.
TaskForce has gotten to the point where they have outgrown their facility. They are currently fundraising to renovate a new space they have gotten a few blocks away from their West Garfield Park location.
ABC7 Chicago parade coverage will begin Sunday at 11 a.m. It will be available on ABC7 and wherever you stream.
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