Gay for a Day

Gay for a Day documents the Chicago Gay Pride Parade just seven years after it began in 1970. Shot primarily along the parade route on Halsted Avenue, the film focuses on people—the participants in the parade as well as the observers. A few people speak to the camera including a couple who talk eloquently about civil rights, but, in typical Palazzolo style, he observes and captures the activities happening around him as the parade progresses. One of the spectators, a young man on the side of the street, throws an egg at Palazzolo while he is shooting from one of the parade floats. Palazzolo repeats the shot in slow motion and then continues on with documenting the celebration. Gay for a Day captures the elaborate (and often outrageous) outfits and performances that we have come to associate with the Pride Parade, as well as the spirit and celebratory joy of the day. While Palazzolo focuses on the parade and its participants, a few cutaway shots show people making gestures of protest.