{"id":6300,"date":"2026-06-16T04:37:51","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T10:37:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/afchicago.org\/blog\/?p=6300"},"modified":"2026-06-16T04:37:52","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T10:37:52","slug":"afcs-2026-pride-float-theme-chinese-zodiac-signs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/afchicago.org\/blog\/2026\/06\/16\/afcs-2026-pride-float-theme-chinese-zodiac-signs\/","title":{"rendered":"AFC’s 2026 Pride Float Theme: Chinese Zodiac Signs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the theme for its 2026 Pride Parade float, Asians and Friends Chicago (AFC) has chosen the \u201cChinese Zodiac\u201d and the 12 animals that represent people\u2019s astrological symbols, aligning with the parade\u2019s larger theme of \u201cfreedom\u201d by celebrating individuality and the freedom to express peoples\u2019 inner selves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Sunday, June 28, 2026, starting at 11 a.m., marchers and float riders will wear costumes inspired by the 12-year cycle of birth year animals, which include the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For AFC members, the notion of pride starts with the right to choose who to love and extends to how people express themselves. In this case, it\u2019s with whimsy, imagination and the idea that different personalities create the firmament of humanity, AFC organizers said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLike the Chinese Zodiac, Asians and Friends Chicago is made up of LGBTQ+ people from all parts of Asia\u2014the Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, as well as Japan,\u201d said John McInteer, president, Board of Directors, for AFC. \u201cBut being here in Chicago, we tend to embrace all of it. So like the animal signs themselves, we celebrate the individual and the collective group at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s float represents another cycle of community planning, fundraising and float-building, culminating in a rolling showcase of Pride and self-expression, McInteer says. \u201cWe want to thank our financial supporters, float committee, riders who spent time creating their costumes and marchers who truly reflect the diverse community we represent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the parade, AFC will host an appreciation party at Hollywood Beach, 5800 N. Lake Shore Drive on the southern tree line area of the park. The festivities post-parade will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 28.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AFC would like to thank its fundraising raffle partners and sponsors, Atmosphere Bar, Campit Outdoor Resort, Lucky Horseshoe, Max\u2019s Place, Men\u2019s Room, The North End and Sidetrack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since its founding in 1984, AFC has served the LGBTQ+ Asian community and its allies by offering members a social opportunity to celebrate Asian cultures and meet people of similar backgrounds and interests. AFC is a proud 2010-2011 inductee into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, a two-time winner for Best Organization in the Chicago Gay Pride Parade, hosts of IFCON 2016 Chicago and recipients of Chapter of the Year 2022 from the International Friendship Association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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