06/23/2025
We are pleased to announce this year’s theme is Revolutionary Reflections!
This theme encompasses several powerful energies to focus on this year. There is no doubt that our current national and global situation is dire. The rampant rise of oligarchic rule, xenophobia, fear-mongering, and outright corruption has shaken many of us to the core.
We have a responsibility as citizens to stand for our constitution, as pagans to stand for the Earth, and as humans to stand with those who have been historically marginalized and discriminated against. We also have a responsibility to stand up to our own biases and prejudices to expand our realities and embrace unity. Revolutions can happen every day in every way. Choosing to confront and heal from your wounds is revolutionary. Choosing to engage with organizations that promote ecology, inclusion, and dignity is revolutionary. Choosing to organize and promote non-violent protests and movements is revolutionary.
As we make our choices and clarify our intentions, our actions are reflected out into the world around us. Sparks that we ignite within ourselves light fires in those around us. We can be the mirror that reflects light into the darkness. We can also face the mirror that reflects the horrors of society dwelling deep in our shadowy spaces.
We will be working with our workshop leaders to keep this theme in mind and curate a powerful and educational schedule to give you practical tips to bring about these Revolutionary Reflections. Workshop leader positions are open to the entire Greater Chicagoland Pagan Pride community and you do not need to be leader to apply. Every voice is important and wisdom does not only come from the elders.
We will once again be having a collection of entertainers, and we encourage the bards of our community to apply and be a corner-store part of the day. Vendor alley will be bigger, better, and (hopefully) drier than last year, too! If you want to be more than just an attendee, we have several opportunities for volunteer positions throughout the day.
For those who joined us for last year’s soggy but magical event, we will be in the same spot again this year. Riis Park is in the Belmont-Cragin neighborhood on the corner of Narragansett and Fullerton. We will be set up in the northwest corner of the park, near the playground area. There is street parking as well as parking lots on either end of the park. The park is on the #86 and #74 CTA bus lines and a short walk from the Galewood Metra station.
As we prepare for the event, we will be working on fundraising efforts with a goal of $10,000. This will fully fund this year’s event and provide us with a seed fund for next year. Once again, we will be offering sponsorship opportunities, as well as GCPP and event merchandise on our website. All proceeds from sponsorships and merchandise purchases go directly to the event. Donations to Greater Chicagoland Pagan Pride are tax-deductible, as we are a recognized 501c3 charity.
Applications are now open for vendors, entertainers, volunteers and workshop leaders. Apply today at https://chicagopaganpride.org/get-involved
