The 27-year-old Australia-born, Michigan-bred pop star has long been an ally to the LGBTQ community, having performed Pride festivals around the country and lent her voice to fundraising efforts by the Trevor Project and GLAAD.
“I have been in relationships with both men and women,” Who wrote on Instagram in 2018. “I have been deeply, earth-shatteringly in love with both men and women. Just because I happen to be engaged to a man doesn’t mean that I haven’t found a home within the gay community.”
In 2013, Who’s infectious single “Somebody Loves You” was used in a viral same-sex marriage proposal video at a Salt Lake City Home Depot. The song hit the top of Billboard’s Dance/Club chart and has since become a gay wedding staple. And recently, Netflix asked Who to remix “All Things,” the theme song to the second season of Queer Eye.
Standing 6’2″, Who has never been a traditional pop star and she credits the LGTBQ community with kickstarting her career, which began with the RCA Records releases The Movement and The Valley, and got its own reboot with the independent EP Betty.
Who is currently touring the self-titled record and will stop in Chicago for a special performance at Chicago Pride Fest on Sunday, June 23 at 2:30 p.m.
Organizers previously announced Leann Rimes, Pabllo Vittar, Alex Newell, Ultra Naté and Inaya Day among this year’s headliners.
The two-day festival is Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23. It runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. down North Halsted Street from Addison to Grace in Boystown. Organizers suggest a $10 donation upon entering.
The 2019 Chicago Pride Parade is Sunday, June 30 starting at noon.
Chicago Pride Fest is organized by and benefits the Northalsted Business Alliance, the organization behind Northalsted Market Days, Frost Fest and the Halloween Parade. For information visit northalsted.com.
Full entertainment lineup below
Chicago Pride Fest (June 22-23)
Saturday, June 22
North Stage
1:00PM – Drag Show
2:30PM – Pabllo Vittar
3:15PM – Drag Show
5:30PM – Jaimie Wilson
6:00PM – Inaya Day
7:00PM – Drag Show
8:15PM – Ultra Naté
9:00PM – Alex Newell
South Stage
12:00PM – Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus
1:15PM – The Txlips Band
2:45PM – Hello Weekend
4:45PM – TBA
6:30PM – Catfight
8:30PM – Too White Crew
Sunday, June 23
Noon PET PARADE KICK OFF
North Stage
1:00PM – Drag Show
2:30PM – Betty Who
3:15PM – Drag Show
5:00PM – TBA
5:30PM – Adam Barta
6:00PM – Out in the Park National Anthem Singing Contest
7:00PM – Drag Show
8:00PM – Leland
9:00PM – Leann Rimes
South Stage
12:30PM – Chicago Spirit Brigade
1:00PM – Pet Pride Parade Awards
1:45PM – Don’t Speak
4:00PM – Boy Band Review
6:00PM – Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press
8:15PM – Sixteen Candles
