Pride

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.

Facts

Suggested Charities and Organizations Links

Affinity

Brave Space Alliance

Center on Halsted

Equality Illinois

Family Equality

Gay For Good

LGBTQ+ Center at Kenneth Young

Pride Arts

The Liam Foundation