The AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s (AHF) Rose Parade float will honor the 49 people killed and the dozens of people injured last June in a mass shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Fla.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s Rose Parade float will feature a soaring dove in remembrance of victims who died in a shooting at an LGBT nightclub in Orlando, Fla. in June. (photo courtesy of AHF)

Three survivors of the attack – Victor Baez Febo, Isaiah Henderson and Jahqui Sevilla – will ride aboard the float along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2 during the 128th annual Rose Parade. They will be joined by Barbara Poma, co-owner of the Pulse Nightclub, and numerous community members from Orlando. They include Patty Sheehan, an Orlando city commissioner; Joel Morales, an HIV testing counselor and case worker for survivors of the attack and their and families; and Corey Lyons and Gustavo Marrero, president and vice president, respectively, of Impulse Group Orlando.

At the beginning of the parade, 49 doves will be released in memory of the victims who were killed. The tribute will be fitting, said Lyons, who added that the float serves as a reminder that there are still issues that must be overcome in the LGBT community.

“It will be a privilege to take part in this Rose Parade float honoring the dead, the wounded, the survivors and the family members left behind after the Orlando tragedy,” Lyons said. “However, we must not lose sight of the fact that this beautiful float also serves as a solemn and sacred reminder to millions of parade viewers around the world that the stigma and discrimination that led to this attack are not over. The fight goes on, and we must be vigilant in speaking out and speaking out against such bigotry, hatred and injustice.”

The float marks the sixth year AHF has participated in the parade. The organization’s floats call attention each year to issues affecting the LGBT community. Previous floats honored the late actress Elizabeth Taylor, a longtime AIDS activist and supporter of LGBT rights; AHF doctors who died while treating victims of Ebola in Africa; and HIV-positive girls who serve as role models for the LGBT community. In 2014, the AHF float featured a same-sex wedding.

“When AHF first began contemplating themes for its Rose Parade float entry, we felt a theme of remembrance and tribute in honor of those who were killed or injured at Pulse, and in honor of the Orlando community’s indomitable spirit and extraordinary life-affirming response toward overcoming the homophobic stigma and discrimination that contributed to this attack, would be fitting for the Orlando community and for AHF’s 2017 Tournament of Roses commemoration,” said AHF president Michael Weinstein. “In fact, the very name of the Pulse nightclub is a tribute to someone lost to AIDS in earlier days of the epidemic – club co-owner Barbara Poma’s brother John.”

The float, covered in flowers and organic materials, will feature a soaring dove representing peace over a field with 49 stars signifying the victims. Two floral rainbows will be located toward the center of the float. A “Tree of Life” at the rear with notes of condolence commemorates the victims. The notes were previously posted on a communal board for victims in Orlando following the attack.

AHF senior director of communications Ged Kenslea said the organization sponsors floats in the parade each year because it is a high-profile event watched by millions of people around the world. The floats symbolize the struggles of the LGBT community and celebrate triumphs.

“A lot of floats tend to be more light-hearted, but our floats tend to have a message that is a little more serious and somber,” Kenslea said. “The Rose Parade is an important thing for AHF, to have a presence, but also to get the word out about a message we feel needs to be shared.”

Lyons said the float also serves as a vehicle to raise awareness and funding for organizations helping victims and their families in Orlando. People wishing to make a donation can send a text to 74121 and enter the keyword ONELOVE. Donations will support the One Pulse Foundation, Contigo Fund and Two Spirit Health Services.

The Rose Parade starts at 8 a.m. on Jan. 2 near the intersection of Orange Grove and Colorado Boulevards in Pasadena.