Chime Celebrates: Chicago Pride Parade
“I had attended many Pride parades before, but my most memorable experience was the first time I was in it,” remembers Amy Silverman, Chime’s Director of Business Operations Recruiting. “It was such a unique perspective to be on a float moving through a crowd of people all there to show each other love.”
For Amy, Pride is an essential reminder of the sacrifices people have made before her and those that will continue to happen for the LGBTQIA+ community. “It’s also a reminder of my own journey to being my authentic self and figuring out what that even means for me,” she says.
“June helps us remember to celebrate our progress and puts a spotlight on what’s yet to be done. It’s an opportunity to remember and celebrate those who have influenced us and inspired us to be our true selves. It’s a time to be proud, stand up, and band together so that others who feel like they can’t be themselves see an example of authenticity. By continuing to show up and share our stories, we can help make the world a safer place for everyone in our community.”
June is just a month
While June is a great reminder, marker, and time to celebrate, it is also just one month on a centuries-long journey towards inclusivity and acceptance. Injustices happen year-round, so seizing this month to shine a light on them and raise awareness is critical — but an ongoing commitment to change is even more important. “For me, this year I hope to highlight, remember, and celebrate the transgender community — they have suffered so much in the last several decades, and more actions need to be taken to support them,” Amy says. “This month is a great opportunity to show up, be vocal, and drive future changes so they can feel safe being themselves.”
Although Pride month culminates with a weekend of celebrations, being in the Pride Parade takes much more than just one month’s planning. For entries to participate, they must prepare for months, work with float companies, create swag, and craft their presence — much more effort than simply showing up and walking on the day of the celebration. Participants in the parade have to work to ensure that logistics are aligned and that they can show up in a way that will represent them and the community. “When the parade is over and the confetti is all cleaned up, the goal is to be reenergized and continue the fight for our community’s rights and visibility,” Amy says.
Coming together as a community (after a 3-year hiatus!) in Chicago
This year, Chime is thrilled to announce that we will be marching as part of the celebration. “The Pride Parade in Chicago is so exciting because it goes through the LGBTQIA+ neighborhood of the city, now known as Northalsted — so many Pride Parades have moved to go through their cities’ downtown area, but Chicago has kept it in the community in which many queer residents live,” Amy explains. “What’s more, we haven’t had a parade for three years (in 2019, a storm stopped the parade), so everyone is extra excited.”
On Saturday, June 26, Chicago residents and visitors can expect to see bright colors, hear lots of music and cheers, and soak up a celebratory feeling in the air. “When I think of the Pride Parade, I can’t help but think that if you were to tell 10-year old me that there’s a place and community you’ll be able to be a part of where millions will show up and be supportive of who you are, I’d never have thought it could be true,” Amy says. “I’m so excited to have this event back on the calendar and look forward to feeling the support of our community in Chicago.”
Inclusivity at work comes to life in the parade
At Chime, we believe we must show up in queer spaces as a company: if we talk about being an inclusive workplace, we also need to participate as one. After all, Pride is a celebration of authenticity. If Chime talks the talk at work — by hosting amazing conversations with queer activists and panel discussions internally — we must show up in these spaces publicly, too — in this case, walking the walk by being in the parade.
“For me, it’s important to show that you can work in tech, in fintech, or in any industry, and show up as yourself — I haven’t always been lucky enough to feel supported bringing my entire self to work. Chime is a supportive environment that encourages diversity of thought and perspective, which is refreshing. By participating in Pride, we are celebrating our queer coworkers and their families. It is a chance to show others that you can live openly and authentically,” says Amy.
Heading to the Chicago Pride Parade? Look for Amy and other Chimers to say hi — we’d love to meet you (and share some awesome Chime swag )!
