Mission & Vision
Chicago Dyke March Collective is a grassroots mobilization and celebration of dyke, queer, bisexual, and transgender resilience. It is an anti-racist, anti-violent, volunteer-led, grassroots effort with a goal to bridge together communities across race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, age, size, gender identity, gender expression, sexuality, culture, immigrant status, spirituality, and ability. We challenge fatphobia and are body positive.
What is a Dyke?
We are aware that the word “dyke” has a history of being a pejorative term, and may be perceived as offensive. We use this word as a way of reclaiming a term that historically has been used against us. Dyke March choses to use the word “dyke” as a politicized, empowering and reclaimed word.
This said, we are continuously having conversations about what using these words means for reaching the communities that are most under-represented, specifically low-income and communities of color.
Feel free to give us feedback on this subject, and take a look at resources about this issue below:
Sticks and Stones and Dykes, In These Times (http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/2703/sticks_stones_and_dykes/)
Use of the Term Dyke (http://userpages.umbc.edu/~korenman/wmst/dyke.html)
Who is the Chicago Dyke March Collective and how do I join?
The Collective is an all volunteer group of people who have dedicated themselves to commit to the success of organizing the annual Chicago Dyke March. We use our diverse skills, experience, talents, backgrounds, and networks. We use consensus decision-making and are intentional in our thought and behavior.
Typically in late summer, the Collective looks at people who have showed interest and have been part of the March in some way or form. Perhaps they volunteered as a Safety Marshal? Maybe the helped do outreach in the neighborhood? Then, discuss with the current Collective and the potential Collective members the process to move them into the Collective.
See History of the Chicago Dyke March Collective to learn more.
- June 1996 – Lakeview
- June 1997 – 2007 – Andersonville
- June 2008 and 2009 – Pilsen Neighborhood
- June 2010 and 2011 – South Shore
- June 2012 and 2013 – Argyle/Uptown
- June 2014 and 2015 – Humboldt Park
- June 2016 (20th anniversary!) – Humboldt Park
Chicago Dyke March Collective 