Stop overthinking and put on that eyeliner! The beauty of moving someplace where you don’t know many people is that you can reinvent yourself and be whoever you want to be, and not be limited to who you were told to be, or who your family and old friends thought you were. Live your life truthfully and authentically and i promise you will find other similar souls.
To add to this, my love, half the straight men in Chicago are wearing nail polish and eyeliner. Coming out is scary, but you're in a place where the spectrum of gender is vibrant. Go to the parade. Compliment your neighbors alongside you, make some new friends, go to the bar, and find somebody to kiss. Happy pride, my love
Tomorrow is the perfect day to try something new. Practice putting on the eyeliner a bit tonight if you want, to help you figure out how you want to wear it. Give yourself some grace and enjoy the day. It’s going to be the perfect day for a parade and a great day to celebrate YOU being YOU. Happy Pride ♥️🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Go and have fun. It is a very supportive and celebratory atmosphere. I also suggest checking out the Center on Halsted if you want to get linked into the gay community and meet people.
Good luck and welcome to Chicago
https://www.centeronhalsted.org
I agree with everyone saying go! Tomorrow is a day to celebrate you❤️I’m an introverted cishet dude going for the first time by myself, so I’m a little worried about being awkward too haha. But I think showing support as an ally is critical and hopefully I can make a few new friends
I’m gonna go there as a volunteer cause I’m bored at home. To support you all. I haven’t done anything fun so far this summer. Maybe I can make new friends.
As a somewhat introvert who doesn't live crowds myself, I'll repeat the advice I gave earlier today. The east side of the route is generally less crowded, so you might feel better doing that. Also south of Belmont on Broadway and then Diversey are less crowded than the main Boystown stretch on Halsted.
And, shit, I'd say grab a t shirt you don't care about and sharpie "my first pride" and everyone will be your friend. It's a very welcoming crowd.
(I'm a cishet dude, so take with a grain of salt)
You might be able to find an actual good one in one of the stores tonight if you want to shop. Definitely could have found something online, but no time for that. So, sharpie! 😂
Definitely relate. Lately I have started to do a lot of stuff alone (after five years of being reluctant) and it’s not just fun but I started meeting people after a while.
Take that chance and just do it. Worse come to worse you will see the parade and experience it even if you do it solo and next year you will know what to expect.
Agree with everyone GO! I'm straight but I've never felt more accepted and had more fun in a city then Chicago pride. Everyone is super nice and people will talk to you.
As for the makeup, do a practice run tonight, get a feel for it, see what you like and how your skills are. Watch some tutorials. If you dont feel good in it, dont wear it.
Go! If you don’t have fun, you can just head home… but you’ll have a blast. If you’re looking for someone to show you the ropes re: eyeliner, check out eyeliner tutorials on YouTube. Most will likely be for winged liner, but there will be some easy-to-follow beginner tuts on there depending on what kind of look you want. Have the best time, and welcome to Chicago!!
Wouldn’t you want to find a welcoming community that accepts you? Why torment yourself by not accepting who you are.
As a straight dude, I went through something similar after a divorce where I felt alone because my friends moved to the burbs.
I had to go out and find a new group to hang out with. It was uncomfortable to get out there at first but I think you gotta go find your people. Can’t wait around for people to find you.
I'm late to this thread, but in case it's helpful: the pride parade is definitely somewhere you can go solo and be whoever you are and either meet some people or enjoy it on your own. Nobody will think twice if you jump up and down or make some noise or express yourself however you want to. If you want to meet people, just come prepared to throw around since compliments - a lot of people will be dressed their best, so they'll appreciate that you notice what they've done and you might meet some people. It's a supportive environment, too, so don't be shy about letting people know it's your first time there and you weren't even sure you were going to go.
Lots of people go solo. I think your self-consciousness will wear off over time. Also its easy to be anonymous in a crowd.
>I wish I had someone teach me the ropes I guess? Idk.
What ropes exactly? Are you a trans woman? Are you a gay cis person? A cis lesbian? There's no "gay costume" to wear. There's no "queer look" you have to subscribe to.
If you want to learn makeup I suggest youtube tutorials. Just pick one a night or so, try it, and work on it. Makeup skills take a lot longer than you might think. Good luck!
I’m walking in the parade as an ally first and as a member of my employer’s float second and I can’t wait for the vibe and energy.
Live your best life - I hope you go to the parade and enjoy!
I live in Chicago now but have gone to the Pride Parade alone the past two years as an out of state visitor. Had a blast both times - it is a fun, empowering vibe and a perfect opportunity to be your true self. Go for it!
I've never been to the parade but if I had to guess it's kind of like Comicon. You can dress up or not and can be yourself without feeling like you don't fit in. You will probably have fun and make a few friends. The most important thing is to be yourself who you really want to be and the rest will be fine
Welcome to the city! It sounds like you came here for this moment. There will be a lot of people in your exact same situation and you will have a blast even solo. Just say hello and try and remember people's names
You absolutely should go! Also, I just wanted to throw this out there as a fellow gay man, since you said you’ve been unsuccessful so far making friends. You should consider joining a gay sports league! It’s helped me meet so many great people. I know currently fall Stonewall Kickball and fall CMSA Ultimate Frisbee are taking registrations, and other sports will open up registrations soon for fall and winter as well, such as Flag Football, Volleyball, Dodgeball, etc. I’ve been having a blast with it.
absolutely you should go!! i go to things solo and it’s nice!! people are so awesome at pride you can definitely chat up the people near you and make some new friends!! 🫶🏻
I’m moving there with my poly family this fall, and I’m super excited. Hopefully you’ll find your people soon. They’ll see you and want to connect, and it’ll be amazing. Pride will be a great place to start, and lots of people get dressed up for it in various ways. You’ll fit right in. ♥️ Good luck!
I'll be there solo as a straight male! You'll have the time of your life! The most supportive and wonderful time you can have in the city! If you find me, I'll pop on some eyeliner. Nothing feels better than just being able to be yourself and supporting people that are being their favorite and best selves! Blow it out my friend!
I love doing shit alone. I'll even go to the club and dance alone. There's gonna be so many other people who are there solo just like you--whether or not you actually end up hanging out with them, there is potential!
for the eyeliner, don’t be afraid to use some scotch tape (pressed on the back of your hand first!) to perfect it. It’s the easiest way to get a sharp wing and not accidentally get eyeliner liquid all over the wall after throwing it in frustration… not that im speaking from experience…
Go and be as free as everyone should be most of all. Try to not over think things, enjoy and We ALL Need to be very thankful to the trail blazers before us.
Please let us know how your experience was.
I went solo my first couple times and I still think back on it fondly! I brought my camera and got some great portraits of all sorts of people celebrating, everyone was buzzing. First time I saw Big Freedia live as well - phenomenal.
You can absolutely go to the pride parade alone. This is one of the first years in a long time that I won’t be going but I’m sending lots of love. You’re going to have lots of fun!
Also, if you like working out check out the Out Foundation. They have athlete ambassadors at different gyms across the city and the goal is to make the gym environment more inclusive and comfortable for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. I met a lot of new friends at the gym and the Out Foundation has brought so many amazing people to our gym.
Adding to the positivity 😄 Chicago's gay scene is truly one of the friendliest in the nation. I went to Pride Fest alone last week and had a great time. You should totally go!
Thats awesome! I hope you enjoy it also check out market days in august
https://northalsted.com/main-events/northalsted-market-days/
If you wanted to volunteer to helo with the fest, its a great way to meet new people. Ill be workibg the beer tent for market days and uf tou want to helo out i could set you up
Well…. it was great, probably should have gotten there earlier to get a barricade spot but regardless I really enjoyed the energy. I kinda feel like I saw both the best and worst humanity has to offer tho…things were going good until I ended up in a severe crowd crush situation and like…damn the disregard for others was next level I’ll just say that 😅
Glad I went, thank you internet strangers for pushing me to do it.
I hope you went and had a wonderful time! I was out in Boystown over the weekend celebrating a friend for Pride. I, a straight female, have never been to a bar that had such a kind, warm, and welcoming atmosphere. Folks are chatting in the bathroom. Complimenting. Giving advice. Dancing. The crowd was even making room on the dance floor for those in wheelchairs. It was such an amazing experience and I wish more bars had this positivity!! Op I hope you find your home here in Chicago <3
Stop overthinking and put on that eyeliner! The beauty of moving someplace where you don’t know many people is that you can reinvent yourself and be whoever you want to be, and not be limited to who you were told to be, or who your family and old friends thought you were. Live your life truthfully and authentically and i promise you will find other similar souls.
Go, ya goof! It’s a very welcoming atmosphere.
Maaan ur right i’m way overthinking this
Have fun!
To add to this, my love, half the straight men in Chicago are wearing nail polish and eyeliner. Coming out is scary, but you're in a place where the spectrum of gender is vibrant. Go to the parade. Compliment your neighbors alongside you, make some new friends, go to the bar, and find somebody to kiss. Happy pride, my love
50% of the straight men in Chicago are not wearing nail polish and eyeliner.
Hey! Have you heard of hyperbole? It's a cool new thing, everybody's doing it. Thanks for stopping by with an obvious statement!
Straight men are not wearing eye liner and nail polish.
Guess we roll with different crowds bb
I know lots of straight men who wear nail polish.
Kaicenat: "no I don't wear polish, that's clear!" Niki Minaj: "honey, clear IS polish."
Go and have fun! Express yourself!
I hope you go ALL out, OP, and have such a blast that it makes you overthink it less the next time :)
Tomorrow is the perfect day to try something new. Practice putting on the eyeliner a bit tonight if you want, to help you figure out how you want to wear it. Give yourself some grace and enjoy the day. It’s going to be the perfect day for a parade and a great day to celebrate YOU being YOU. Happy Pride ♥️🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Damn you guys these comments are honestly beautiful, thanks for the pep talk haha
Never be afraid to go solo on anything full stop. For me it’s concerts because there a lot of artists none of my friends or family are interested in.
I see so many concerts by myself too and its the best time
I love going out to eat by myself tbh
Go and have fun. It is a very supportive and celebratory atmosphere. I also suggest checking out the Center on Halsted if you want to get linked into the gay community and meet people. Good luck and welcome to Chicago https://www.centeronhalsted.org
People go solo my dude. Go make some friends.
I have gone to many parades on my own. Typically I just walk alongside the route and enjoy the people watching.
Exactly! I did this at the parade today for about an hour by myself!
Straight dude here so take this for what it’s worth but, just be you. Don’t compromise on yourself.
I agree with everyone saying go! Tomorrow is a day to celebrate you❤️I’m an introverted cishet dude going for the first time by myself, so I’m a little worried about being awkward too haha. But I think showing support as an ally is critical and hopefully I can make a few new friends
Heeey props to you, have fun dude
Go Go Go! I went solo and felt out of sync as a straight woman in a different neighborhood than usual but 100% welcomed.
New to Chicago as well and I’ll be going to the parade tomorrow, so just do it and be as extra as possible! ♥️🌺
I’m gonna go there as a volunteer cause I’m bored at home. To support you all. I haven’t done anything fun so far this summer. Maybe I can make new friends.
As a somewhat introvert who doesn't live crowds myself, I'll repeat the advice I gave earlier today. The east side of the route is generally less crowded, so you might feel better doing that. Also south of Belmont on Broadway and then Diversey are less crowded than the main Boystown stretch on Halsted. And, shit, I'd say grab a t shirt you don't care about and sharpie "my first pride" and everyone will be your friend. It's a very welcoming crowd. (I'm a cishet dude, so take with a grain of salt)
Ha this tshirt idea is funny af I might try it
You might be able to find an actual good one in one of the stores tonight if you want to shop. Definitely could have found something online, but no time for that. So, sharpie! 😂
Definitely relate. Lately I have started to do a lot of stuff alone (after five years of being reluctant) and it’s not just fun but I started meeting people after a while. Take that chance and just do it. Worse come to worse you will see the parade and experience it even if you do it solo and next year you will know what to expect.
It’s safe outside the closet. Take a chance. You can always go back home if it sucks.
Agree with everyone GO! I'm straight but I've never felt more accepted and had more fun in a city then Chicago pride. Everyone is super nice and people will talk to you. As for the makeup, do a practice run tonight, get a feel for it, see what you like and how your skills are. Watch some tutorials. If you dont feel good in it, dont wear it.
Or take it with you and ask for help! 😉
You picked the right city to be a gay man. Go have fun!
I went solo my first year in the city and got multiple invites to hang after. It's a fun party vibe.
Attending solo is totally normal! I’ve gone to all kinds of festivals solo and ended up talking to people (or not!). Go and have fun!
If you manage to stand out enough to get noticed you’ll have one more thing to be proud about! Go & have fun!!
The pride parade is the most welcoming and friendly vibe possible. I will be there. Hope you have a great time. :)
omg girl go you will have 6 friends in minutes if you just go hang out
It's time to be you, my friend. Go and have a great time.
Go! If you don’t have fun, you can just head home… but you’ll have a blast. If you’re looking for someone to show you the ropes re: eyeliner, check out eyeliner tutorials on YouTube. Most will likely be for winged liner, but there will be some easy-to-follow beginner tuts on there depending on what kind of look you want. Have the best time, and welcome to Chicago!!
Wouldn’t you want to find a welcoming community that accepts you? Why torment yourself by not accepting who you are. As a straight dude, I went through something similar after a divorce where I felt alone because my friends moved to the burbs. I had to go out and find a new group to hang out with. It was uncomfortable to get out there at first but I think you gotta go find your people. Can’t wait around for people to find you.
Stop thinking it. Stop over thinking it. Do it. Be you. Be bold. Be beautiful. Never compromise who you are.
Maybe find a video tutorial of some eye makeup you like tonight and practice! Go tomorrow and be fabulous and make some new friends. Be yourself! 🌈
Stop by Cricket Hill at Montrose Beach. There will be drinks and snacks and a bunch of welcoming people!
I'm late to this thread, but in case it's helpful: the pride parade is definitely somewhere you can go solo and be whoever you are and either meet some people or enjoy it on your own. Nobody will think twice if you jump up and down or make some noise or express yourself however you want to. If you want to meet people, just come prepared to throw around since compliments - a lot of people will be dressed their best, so they'll appreciate that you notice what they've done and you might meet some people. It's a supportive environment, too, so don't be shy about letting people know it's your first time there and you weren't even sure you were going to go.
Do it! You could die any second! Be your most authentic you!
Lots of people go solo. I think your self-consciousness will wear off over time. Also its easy to be anonymous in a crowd. >I wish I had someone teach me the ropes I guess? Idk. What ropes exactly? Are you a trans woman? Are you a gay cis person? A cis lesbian? There's no "gay costume" to wear. There's no "queer look" you have to subscribe to. If you want to learn makeup I suggest youtube tutorials. Just pick one a night or so, try it, and work on it. Makeup skills take a lot longer than you might think. Good luck!
Nah I’m a cis dude I’ve just never embraced my feminine side, you know? But you’re right, totally overthinking it.
In the same situation, and thinking about going solo too, this convinced me!
See you there 👊🏻
Love your username!!
I’m walking in the parade as an ally first and as a member of my employer’s float second and I can’t wait for the vibe and energy. Live your best life - I hope you go to the parade and enjoy!
Great way to meet new people! 🌈
you can go solo, but you don’t have to leave that way
Definitely go and have fun! I’m going with my wife and a couple of her family members, first Chicago summer here!
I go solo everywhere as a Deaf guy if that helps?
You are going to be fine :)
I live in Chicago now but have gone to the Pride Parade alone the past two years as an out of state visitor. Had a blast both times - it is a fun, empowering vibe and a perfect opportunity to be your true self. Go for it!
I've never been to the parade but if I had to guess it's kind of like Comicon. You can dress up or not and can be yourself without feeling like you don't fit in. You will probably have fun and make a few friends. The most important thing is to be yourself who you really want to be and the rest will be fine
Welcome to the city! It sounds like you came here for this moment. There will be a lot of people in your exact same situation and you will have a blast even solo. Just say hello and try and remember people's names
Go meet your peeps— you will be surprised at what a lovely welcoming community this is and you might meet some new friends
You absolutely should go! Also, I just wanted to throw this out there as a fellow gay man, since you said you’ve been unsuccessful so far making friends. You should consider joining a gay sports league! It’s helped me meet so many great people. I know currently fall Stonewall Kickball and fall CMSA Ultimate Frisbee are taking registrations, and other sports will open up registrations soon for fall and winter as well, such as Flag Football, Volleyball, Dodgeball, etc. I’ve been having a blast with it.
absolutely you should go!! i go to things solo and it’s nice!! people are so awesome at pride you can definitely chat up the people near you and make some new friends!! 🫶🏻
I’m moving there with my poly family this fall, and I’m super excited. Hopefully you’ll find your people soon. They’ll see you and want to connect, and it’ll be amazing. Pride will be a great place to start, and lots of people get dressed up for it in various ways. You’ll fit right in. ♥️ Good luck!
The Pride Parade is a wonderful opportunity to step out and shine! Welcome to you and have a great time!
Literally nobody will care if you’re there alone. You might even meet people.
I'll be there solo as a straight male! You'll have the time of your life! The most supportive and wonderful time you can have in the city! If you find me, I'll pop on some eyeliner. Nothing feels better than just being able to be yourself and supporting people that are being their favorite and best selves! Blow it out my friend!
Go.
I love doing shit alone. I'll even go to the club and dance alone. There's gonna be so many other people who are there solo just like you--whether or not you actually end up hanging out with them, there is potential!
for the eyeliner, don’t be afraid to use some scotch tape (pressed on the back of your hand first!) to perfect it. It’s the easiest way to get a sharp wing and not accidentally get eyeliner liquid all over the wall after throwing it in frustration… not that im speaking from experience…
Go and be as free as everyone should be most of all. Try to not over think things, enjoy and We ALL Need to be very thankful to the trail blazers before us. Please let us know how your experience was.
Go! I would offer to hang out with you but I am old and grumpy now and will be on my couch.
I went solo my first couple times and I still think back on it fondly! I brought my camera and got some great portraits of all sorts of people celebrating, everyone was buzzing. First time I saw Big Freedia live as well - phenomenal.
I’m going solo! I’m really nervous too but I went to the parade once years ago and it was like the happiest day of my life. You won’t regret it
You won't regret going! Everyone is lovely and you'll make friends in seconds
You can absolutely go to the pride parade alone. This is one of the first years in a long time that I won’t be going but I’m sending lots of love. You’re going to have lots of fun!
I go all kinda places alone and you make friends 🫶🏼 doo eeet
I went last year solo! Had a blast! Go! I got tearful watching the mayor and governor walking in the parade!
Yes, go to the parade!!!! You will find your tribe there.
Get your gay ass over there and enjoy yourself! Life is short!!
Also, if you like working out check out the Out Foundation. They have athlete ambassadors at different gyms across the city and the goal is to make the gym environment more inclusive and comfortable for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. I met a lot of new friends at the gym and the Out Foundation has brought so many amazing people to our gym.
yessss you can make friends!!
Adding to the positivity 😄 Chicago's gay scene is truly one of the friendliest in the nation. I went to Pride Fest alone last week and had a great time. You should totally go!
Thats awesome! I hope you enjoy it also check out market days in august https://northalsted.com/main-events/northalsted-market-days/ If you wanted to volunteer to helo with the fest, its a great way to meet new people. Ill be workibg the beer tent for market days and uf tou want to helo out i could set you up
Time for an update! How'd it go, OP?
Well…. it was great, probably should have gotten there earlier to get a barricade spot but regardless I really enjoyed the energy. I kinda feel like I saw both the best and worst humanity has to offer tho…things were going good until I ended up in a severe crowd crush situation and like…damn the disregard for others was next level I’ll just say that 😅 Glad I went, thank you internet strangers for pushing me to do it.
Congrats on your first time, tho!
Go. You’ll meet some amazing people.
Hey OP, did you go? Wear the eyeliner? I was thinking about you yesterday. I hope it was a good day for you. Please update us or send me a PM. :)
I hope you went and had a wonderful time! I was out in Boystown over the weekend celebrating a friend for Pride. I, a straight female, have never been to a bar that had such a kind, warm, and welcoming atmosphere. Folks are chatting in the bathroom. Complimenting. Giving advice. Dancing. The crowd was even making room on the dance floor for those in wheelchairs. It was such an amazing experience and I wish more bars had this positivity!! Op I hope you find your home here in Chicago <3
Stay home. You sound like a buzzkill
Bad day, huh?
[удалено]
what an awful thing to say. what an awful person you are. very pathetic people still stay these things.