A same-sex couple in Chicago are making waves with the Pride Month display they erected outside their house.
Nicholas Vazquez and Jesse Campbell live in the Andersonville neighborhood. They told the Chicago Tribune they wanted to do something to mark Pride month for their 16-month-year-old son, Rocco.
Campbell is an interior designer. He heard a quote: “Don’t be afraid to show off your true colors,” and said it inspired him. It reminded him of a paintbrush with many colors, and he decided to make it central to their design.
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He constructed a giant, styrofoam paintbrush and placed it above their porch. From this, they hung fabric strips in the colors of the rainbow. They painted their porch steps in rainbows and added the words of the quote. The set-up was finished last Thursday.
“It started off as a craft project and it just turned into something bigger,” Vazquez told Fox32.
Someone soon took a photo and posted it to an Andersonville neighborhood Facebook group on Saturday, and people soon started turning up to take photos. Vasquez says one couple drove 45 minutes to see the display.
From inside their house, the couple say they can hear parents explaining what it means to their kids.
“Kids are kids, and they start asking questions,” Vazquez told the Tribune. “I can hear them, and the parents are taking the time and explaining (Pride) to them and what this means and the colors and how this makes people feel.”
When they realized how popular the display was proving to be, the men decided to start a fundraiser. They’re raising money for The Trevor Project, which works to support queer youth and prevent LGBTQ suicide.
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“For us, it’s become a way to give back to the community,” said Campbell. “There are a lot of places not as diverse as Chicago where the kids really need (the Trevor Project).”
The fundraiser, launched Monday, has already raised over $5,800 of its $10,000 goal. Last night, Jesse posted an update thanking people for their support: “We are beyond humbled by everyone’s love and generosity for supporting The Trevor Project. Thank you all so much, and please share so we can hopefully reach and surpass our goal!”
@bestdatefoodHappy Pride Month! How cool is this house in Chicago?! #chicago #chitown #chicagopride #pridemonth #bucketlist♬ Happy – Pharrell Williams
Harley
Can’t believe it wasn’t immediately vandalized by MAGATs.
Kangol2
I’ve heard it’s a very progressive, gay-friendly, predominantly lesbian neighborhood. There are probably conservatives in the area, but the bulk of MAGAts in Chicago aren’t in Andersonville.
SoloMcDaniel
82% of Chicago voters went for Biden in 2020 so there aren’t a lot of hardcore MAGA supporters in the city. As for the ward where Andersonville is located, 87% of voters went with Biden.
Andersonville is a neighborhood filled with older gay couples, families and is very progressive. I live in Andersonville and this is just one of the many displays people have done on their house. Everyone loves it and I’m sure everyone would protect it if anyone tried to “vandalize” it.
Terrycloth
Well thought out design. Creative ..a new Chicago landmark…very happy it’s being recieved well..Best wishes. Happy pride !
Kangol2
This is such an inventive way to celebrate Pride! They deserve an official commendation from their alderperson, and the city of Chicago! Happy Pride!
Liquid Silver
It’s nice.
Fun fact IRL. A multi-color brush (a “loose mix”) will immediately begin to blend as you paint with it, mixing the tones. By about 1″ in, you’d have mud with that set of tones. As soon as green hits orange and red touches green, it’s all over. 🙂
fur_hunter
Beautiful job, Guys!!! Very creative and meaningful. You both and your young ones take care and stay well……….. Thornton in Mexico
LumpyPillows
How fun!
Cam
Very cool!
mattjones01
They ‘heard the phrase…’don’t be afraid to show your true colours’!!!! Have they never heard of Cyndi Lauper?
MISTERJETT
SHADDUP!!!!!!
Toofie
Cute idea!
howardmarc
I have to thank you for a great Pride photo. It made me smile. Thank you