AIDS Garden Chicago Pride Celebration

The public is invited to celebrate Pride Month with a gathering of memories, tributes, and connection at the AIDS Garden Chicago (lakefront south of Belmont Avenue), Thursday, June 26 from 9-10:30 am. Hon.Greg Harris, former Illinois House of Representatives Majority Leader and a longtime LGBTQ+ advocate, will be honored at this event with a special dedicated plaque at the Garden entrance.  Officially opened June 2, 2022, AIDS Garden Chicago is the city’s first public park to memorialize the early days of Chicago’s HIV epidemic and honors those who continue to fight against the disease today.

A speaking program will take place in front of the Garden’s signature piece, the bright green 30-foot Keith Haring sculpture, ‘Self-Portrait,’ followed by the dedication of a bronze plaque at the Garden entrance to permanently commemorate Harris’ support.  In addition to a performance by the Lakeside Pride Wilde Cabaret, expected speakers include Harris and Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, Chicago Park District; Tom Tunney, Former Alderman; State Senator Sara Feigenholtz; Alderman Bennett Lawson, 44th Ward; Dr. Travis Gayle, Howard Brown Health; Joli Robinson, Center on Halsted; Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis, MWRD; Owen Keehnen, Writer & Historian; and Jonathan “Yoni” Pizer, AIDS Garden Chicago Advocate & LGBTQ Liaison for Congressman Mike Quigley.