Ricardo Jiménez, director of public health initiatives for the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, led a contingent from the organization at Sunday’s 55th annual Chicago Pride Parade. Jiménez, 70, was a prominent figure in the event held in the Lake View neighborhood, recalling his past activism for Puerto Rican independence that resulted in a 90-year prison sentence on charges of seditious conspiracy. He was granted clemency in 1999 by then-President Bill Clinton and has spent the past 15 years counseling individuals through the center’s Vida/SIDA HIV/AIDS program.

The parade began at 11 a.m. near North Broadway and North Sheridan Road, drawing thousands along a 20-block stretch that ended near Lake Shore Drive on West Diversey Avenue. With 155 entrants, this year’s procession included four more parade floats than in 2025. The Puerto Rican Cultural Center, based in Ukrainian Village, was designated as the parade’s “Out Front” leader, a spotlight reserved for groups recognized for advancing LGBTQ+ advocacy—specifically, efforts to combat homophobia and transphobia while incorporating support for public health and housing justice.

Sunday’s event carried the theme “Free to Be Proud,” a message underscored by ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community nationwide, including Illinois, which is widely regarded as a regional safe haven for queer individuals. Jiménez emphasized the need for renewed activism in response to recent legislative and social attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, as well as funding cuts for HIV treatment programs.

“We might have to Act Up again to preserve our human rights,” he said, referencing the historic queer activist organization. “We’re coming here united to make sure what happened before doesn’t happen again.”

The parade took place shortly after Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed three new bills designed to protect the LGBTQ+ community. Among the measures are requirements for insurance companies to provide at least six months’ supply of hormone medications and the removal of testosterone from the state’s controlled prescription tracker.

Attendees highlighted the significance of visibility and community solidarity amid an uncertain social climate. Miley Asari, 24, a lifelong Roscoe Village resident, noted the strong presence of queer youth along the parade route as a positive indicator of progress. “Seeing children here, and teenagers coming on their own, it’s just nice to know families are creating a culture of acceptance from a young age,” she said.

Friends Olivia Atkins and Kalyah Jackson traveled from Bloomington, Illinois, to join the festivities. Jackson, attending her fourth Pride, said the event represents a vital space for connection. “I just enjoy being around my people,” she said. “Love whoever you want, and even though there’s people who don’t think that way, it’s nice to know you’re surrounded by people who do.”

For others, the parade offered a chance to extend support and comfort. Oak Park resident Sharon Cochran, marching with PFLAG, held a sign reading “Free mom hugs” and spent much of the route embracing participants. Cochran, who is not LGBTQ+ and has no queer immediate family, said she witnessed the toll of rejection faced by many in the community.

“There are so many people in my life who don’t have family who speak to them anymore,” she said. “I want to make sure they feel seen.”