Chicago LSD Radio Files Petition to Ban Male Strip Club from Chicago Pride Parade

In a move echoing the spirit of inclusivity and acceptance, Chicago LSD Radio has launched a petition to prohibit the participation of Johnson's Chicago, a male strip club, in the upcoming Chicago Pride Parade. This action comes in response to concerns regarding the club's discriminatory practices and disregard for community values.

The petition, spearheaded by a member deeply connected to the LGBTQIA+ community and the ethos of acceptance it represents, highlights the threat posed by Johnson's Chicago to the safe spaces cultivated by years of hard work and advocacy.

As a not-for-profit organization dedicated to championing queer artists and fostering inclusive environments, Chicago LSD Radio views the inclusion of Johnson's Chicago in the Pride Parade as antithetical to the event's purpose.

Concerns about the club owner's discriminatory behavior and inflammatory remarks have amplified the urgency of the petition. Matt Colunga, the proprietor of Johnson's Chicago, has faced criticism for discriminatory practices against dancers based on body types and gender, as well as for his derogatory comments towards marginalized communities, particularly people of color.

Colunga's statements on social media platforms, including Twitter, have drawn scrutiny for their dismissive stance on issues of racial justice and systemic oppression. Additionally, his disregard for COVID-19 mandates and privacy violations, exemplified by the unauthorized videotaping of individuals, have raised further ethical concerns.

Chicago LSD Radio asserts that the inclusion of Johnson's Chicago in the Pride Parade contradicts the event's foundational principles of diversity, love, and acceptance. The club's policies, such as requiring women to be escorted by men within its premises, perpetuate harmful stereotypes and undermine efforts towards gender equality and inclusivity.

The petition underscores the importance of upholding the core values of the Pride Parade, which serves as a beacon of hope and celebration for the LGBTQIA+ community. By rallying support against the participation of establishments like Johnson's Chicago, the petition seeks to safeguard the integrity of the event and preserve the inclusive ethos it represents.

In urging individuals to sign the petition, Chicago LSD Radio emphasizes the collective responsibility to uphold principles of inclusivity and respect for all individuals, irrespective of their gender, race, sexual orientation, beliefs, or body types.

As the petition gains momentum, it sends a powerful message: the LGBTQIA+ community stands united in its commitment to creating spaces free from discrimination and promoting a culture of acceptance and celebration.

You can sign the petition by selecting the link below.

Change.org