The 52nd annual Chicago Pride Parade will take place Sunday afternoon, the culmination of the city’s Pride month celebrations.

The city’s parade is the biggest in the Midwest, and its history can be traced to the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a series of protests responding to a police raid of Stonewall Inn, a gay bar. Chicago’s first Pride march was held on the one-year anniversary of the protests.

Last year’s parade was dedicated to longtime parade organizer Richard Pfeiffer, who died in 2019. Pfeiffer was a member of Chicago’s Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame and a prominent LGBTQ activist and leader.

[ ‘He was a giant’: Chicago gay rights pioneer Richard Pfeiffer ran the city’s iconic Pride Parade for more than 40 years ]

This year, advocates said Pride celebrations are crucial during a time when political conversations about LGBTQ rights have become more hostile.

Police said on Friday that there will be hundreds of extra officers around the parade. Days off for police were canceled this weekend in preparation for the event, which passes through Uptown and Lakeview.

The city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications expects large crowds on Sunday and advises attendees “stay vigilant” and report any suspicious activity to 911. Increased traffic is expected due to crowds and road closures.

Temperatures on Sunday will be in the high 80s and the OEMC is also reminding attendees to stay hydrated.

[ At first Pride Parade since 2019, abortion ruling is top of mind: ‘We’re still here and vibrant and just as colorful as usual’ ]

Parade coordinator Tim Frye said in terms of participants, this year’s parade is the largest in recent memory.

It’s also different because of the past year of anti-LGBTQ legislation that’s been introduced in many states across the country, which Frye said has brought some anxiety. But nearly every organization that participated last year returned for Sunday’s parade, along with new groups and organizations, he said.

“There was just this anxious feeling but (returning participants) really wanted to be out and doing it,” Frye said.

[ Advocates say Pride celebrations are even more important this year as attacks on the LGBTQ community intensify. ‘It’s terrifying.’ ]

Laurie Hannigan, a 60-year-old from Oak Park, hasn’t been to the Chicago Pride Parade in six years. She used to march with the Oak Park Area Lesbian & Gay Association, in a float made from her pickup truck.

“It feels pretty good to be back,” Hannigan said. “I mean, I’m a little old to be marching this far but it’ll still be fun.”

Hannigan and her niece, 26-year-old Jocelyn Davidson from Elk Grove Village, are passing out Pedialyte to passersby during the parade. Davidson, who is bisexual, said it’s getting scary because of recent political attacks on the LGBTQ community, making it even more important to celebrate Pride this year.

“Pride should be a happy, welcoming place,” Davidson said.

It’s the first Pride Parade for 16-year-old Maisy McDonough and 18-year-old Katie Bavirsha. They both did their rainbow eye makeup and face paint in the car on the way to Chicago and said they were excited to see everyone’s outfits.

They’re marching with Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Homer Glen. For Bavirsha, who said she’s an ally to the LGBTQ community, Pride month is a great time to celebrate community.

”Let’s see where we stand as not only people in faith, but people who are uniting as individuals and coming together as people who are here to celebrate everyone’s differences,” Bavirsha said.

McDonough, who is bisexual, said she’s excited to “be united” after a tough year for the LGBT community.”I think we really need the love of this parade,” McDonough said.

Check back for updates.

vla@chicagotribune.com