42nd Annual Chicago Pride Parade

1. You’ve come a long way, baby
The award for longest distance traveled goes to the Israeli city of Tel Aviv and its annual presence in our parade. Yeah, we know it’s here as part of a tourism ploy, but it’s joyful nevertheless to be reminded that equality for LGBT people can and will thrive in the Middle East.

2. Orbit(z)uary
LGBT-friendly, Chicago-based travel site Orbitz managed to land in hot water just in time for Pride month by advertising its service on anti-gay Fox News. But the company isn’t dead yet. Now that it’s agreed to review its advertising policies following a boycott by the community, may we suggest this year’s float include a giant tombstone and a bunch of scantily clad boys rising from the grave?

3. Aww, shucks
Why do we always tear up at the middle-aged, straight couples ambling down Halsted Street? Because thousands of us in the crowd don’t enjoy full-fledged support from our parents, and the annual sight of PFLAG’s moms and dads marching arm and arm with their sons and daughters gives us hope that every family will one day embrace its LGBT kin.

4. Skin storm
You came here seeking young flesh? We’re shocked. Bar floats such as Spin, Sidetrack and Roscoe’s can almost always be counted on to produce gratuitous eye candy, but be on the lookout for skin displays from unlikely places like the Illinois Lottery and the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce (pictured).

5. Politicians as usual
Among the throngs of politicos marching in this year’s parade, we know one former treasurer who won’t be back (sorry, Alexi). We’re heartened to know that his competitor, Sen. Mark Kirk, voted for the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, so we’re begging Kirk to come out already (we mean to the parade, of course) and show his support.

6. Tough love
Is it just us or does the temperature at the parade go up when the gorgeous women of the Chicago Force, the city’s all-female tackle football team, march by us? We swoon at the sight of these hot ladies in their jerseys (and would be just as happy to see them out of uniform).

The 42nd Annual Chicago Pride Parade happens Sunday 26 at noon.