LGBT Germany Bringing Pride To Chicago German Parade

On Saturday, September 12, LGBT Germany will be showing off their German Pride at the Chicago Steuben Parade -- a parade that has had a surprising lack of LGBT presence despite it honoring one of America's first prominent gay figures, Friedrich von Steuben.

Friedrich von Steuben advanced through the ranks of the German military at a young age in the late 1700s, but upon his homosexuality being discovered, he was threatened with persecution and was forced to leave the country.

Benjamin Franklin recognized von Steuben's skill and convinced George Washington to use him in America to bring order and strategy to the still-young military.

It is said that von Steuben made a grand gay entrance with his 17-year-old lover and despite concerns around his flamboyancy, Washington was impressed enough with the training tactics and quick progress von Steuben was making in the military that he overlooked his sexuality.

LGBT Germany will be giving von Steuben the pride he deserves when they make their first public appearance after launching LGBTGermany.com on September 1, and honoring America's earliest influential gay man.

Seeing this as an opportunity to bring awareness to von Steuben's often overlooked significance, LGBT Germany founder Stephen Fuchs said, "We are asking the Chicago LGBT community to show up and celebrate the man who is responsible for creating the modern American army that until just two years ago didn't allow its gay service men and women to serve openly. Let's show Steuben some pride!"

Those interested in joining LGBT Germany in the parade, which kicks off at 2 p.m. on September 12 and runs from Lincoln Ave. and Irving Park Rd. to Western Ave. and Lawrence, can do so by contacting Stephen Fuchs at [email protected]. LGBT Germany will also be bringing pride to the Steuben Parade in New York City the following weekend, September 19.