Buffalo Grove Teen At Center Of Hometown's Inaugural Pride Parade

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Nearly one year after Buffalo Grove resident Molly Pinta left Aurora's Inaugural Pride Parade with a burst of inspiration, the 13-year-old Twin Groves Middle School student, her parents, and community members are less than two days away from Buffalo Grove's first Pride Parade, happening Sunday, June 2. Pinta, who with her parents created their nonprofit, The Pinta Project, came out as gay before she was a teen. The Buffalo Grove Pride Parade is a celebration that will culminate The Pinta Project's efforts to increase LGBT+ awareness within suburban communities this past year, and for years to come, according to the project website.

After experiencing Aurora's family-friendly pride parade, Pinta and her family created a GoFundMe page to raise money to put on a pride parade in their hometown. More than $20,000 has been raised since June 27, 2018 on the fundraising page alone, in addition to fundraising through t-shirts, stickers, events, and generous donations. The launch of The Pinta Project soon followed in September 2018, after Pinta felt the support of her family and community when she came out as gay.

Buffalo Grove’s Inaugural Pride Parade features more than 90 participating groups, organizations, politicians, and more than 50 sponsors. Sunday's parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on Checker Drive in Buffalo Grove between Carry Lane and Ridgefield Lane.

While putting together some final parade touches Friday, Pinta sported her rainbow-colored Converse in excitement for Sunday, telling Patch they are part of her parade outfit. Pinta said she's excited to see Sunday's parade attendance, as thousands are expected.

Carolyn Pinta, Molly's mother, told Patch Buffalo Grove's parade is a local opportunity outside of downtown Chicago, for those who want to be part of a family-friendly pride parade.

"There's been overwhelming happiness and excitement, with people wanting to get involved, while also loving that this is a family-friendly event," Carolyn said.

Carolyn added that people are also able to use this parade as an educational experience to teach kids and others about being a good, accepting person.

Pinta had the support of her parents, family and friends when she began coming out a couple years ago after her uncle and his husband got married, her mother told Patch. Because of the support and love in the family, Pinta and her parents want to help others feel supported through their project.

Carolyn said they've been asked, "Why a parade?"
"People have said, 'I accept, but why do you need this?"

Her answer?

"We’ve connected with hundreds of families this year because of putting this together," Carolyn said. "Parents have asked, 'Can u connect my child with a group of teens? They just came out to us.' It's about being available, and being seen. That's what this project (and parade) are all about. We are so lucky to be on this journey."

Carolyn said they've also connected with city officials and members, including the Buffalo Grove Police Department, who are working with the family in an effort to make Sunday's parade family-friendly.

"We've spent a lot of time talking to police about what family-friendly looks like," Carolyn said.

Sunday's grand marshals that will be joining Pinta include her best friends Chara and Jessie Elias, Demi JoLato (Joe Lah); a drag queen born and raised in Buffalo Grove and assistant to RuPaul's Drag Race's Alexis Michelle, and Rep. Greg Harris; the first openly gay Illinois House majority leader, according to Carolyn.

Uniquely Us, a new community celebration by the Buffalo Grove Park District, will take place after the parade from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Mike Rylko Community Park. Community members can enjoy live music, performances, food trucks, an obstacle Course, and more.

Sunday's parade float won't be the last one she's on during the month of June. Carolyn told Patch her daughter was named the Youth Grand Marshal for the 50th Annual Chicago Pride Parade, on Sunday, June 30.

In the future, Pinta said she hopes Buffalo Grove's Pride Parade will be an annual event, and to continue supporting other young people through The Pinta Project.

Oh, and one more thing; Pinta is "dying" to meet Ellen DeGeneres!

More information on the nonprofit, Pinta's story, in addition to parking information and more details for Sunday's pride events can be found at pintaprideproject.com.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.