Buffalo Grove Pride Parade sparks outpouring of support

The colors of the rainbow were displayed on flags, banners and even headbands Sunday during the sixth annual Buffalo Grove Pride Parade.

Likewise, the entire community and beyond came out in support: area school, church and synagogue groups, as well as local and state officials.

The reaction throughout the parade route was one of acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, with entire families cheering on the protesters.

“Times are changing. I think people need to understand that they no longer need to hide and be afraid,” said Heather Tolaro of Buffalo Grove, who watched the parade along Buffalo Grove Road with her daughter Juliana, 7 years old “Be yourself. Be authentic. Be authentic.

The march continued down Buffalo Grove Road to Deerfield Parkway, then headed west to Mike Rylko Community Park for a post-parade celebration.

Carolyn Pinta, who started Parade Six in 2019 with her husband Bob Pinta and daughter Molly Pinta, said 94 groups participated.

“We never really need to do anything (outreach) to get people to come,” she said. “They find the website, they contact him. They want to be part of it.

Pinta said this year’s theme is “Drag Us to the Polls.”

“If you came to this parade and you care about this community, you need to get out and vote. Because this community is in real and present danger,” she said. “I have a bisexual daughter (Molly) who can choose to marry a woman. And she should continue to have the right to marry.

Among those participating in the parade were students from Mundelein High School’s Coexist club.

“Everyone deserves happiness, love and acceptance,” said Leah Kolcz, a teacher at Mundelein High School and sponsor of the school’s Coexist club. “And that’s why I do this with students.” They deserve it as much as anyone else.

One of the students, Charles Konczal, a 16-year-old, walked the course in drag.

“It shows how far we’ve come as a community. It shows that we are not afraid to be who we are. And I think it’s important that we continue to do that,” he said.

Kingswood United Methodist Church in Buffalo Grove was among the many religious groups represented.

“We are reconciling ourselves with the community that we have shunned and harassed for so long,” said church member and Buffalo Grove resident Marianne Johnson, adding that the United Methodist Church recently lifted its ban on same-sex marriages.

Politicians from the LGBTQ+ community marched or walked the parade route, including Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega, Avon Township Clerk Kristal Larson and former Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris.

Buffalo Grove officials also attended, including Village President Eric Smith and Trustees David Weidenfeld and Joanne Johnson. Johnson’s husband, retired Lake County Associate Judge and former Buffalo Grove Trustee Charles Johnson, also walked the parade route.