This #PrideMonth, we’re proud to spotlight our community partner, OCAD Chicago. Organized Communities Against Deportations (OCAD) is an undocumented-led group that organizes against deportations, detention, criminalization, and incarceration of Black, brown, and immigrant communities in Chicago and beyond.

OCAD’s mission stems from the powerful intersection of queerness and immigration justice, today. Antonio Gutierrez of OCAD shares that “OCAD was born from the [lived experience] of being both Queer and Undocumented.”

In fact, OCAD evolved from the organization originally called the Immigrant Youth Justice League (IYJL). They were inspired by the Gay Liberation Movement and the act of ‘coming out’ when they launched the Coming Out of the Shadows movement – transforming it into a bold declaration against deportation and fear.

OCAD continues to lead today with courage at the intersections of identity, resistance, and liberation. “We’ve protected thousands through our work,” Antonio adds, “[specifically where queerness, immigration status, and criminalization collide].”

This month, we honor OCAD’s legacy and the vital contributions of LGBTQ+ immigrants who have always been at the forefront of change. Their work reminds us that Pride is not just a celebration – it’s a movement for justice.

We invite you to show up in solidarity with OCAD and the Gay Liberation Network (GLN) at their Pride Parade contingent on Sunday, June 29. Sign up here.