Asians and Friends Chicago (AFC) hosted its annual Lunar New Year dinner and celebration on Feb. 7.
The event, which celebrated the Year of the Rabbit, took place at Chengdu Impressions restaurant, 5900 N. Broadway, and featured a red carpet experience that included drag bunnies, tongue-in-cheek musical performances, an exotic dinner and a raffle. Entitled "Bunny New Year," the event marked the group's first in person event in three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
AFC was formed in 1985 and, according to its website, was started by friends "who wanted to provide a supportive, non-threatening environment for gay Asians."
Additionally, the website notes: "The purpose of AFC is to bring together gay people who are interested in developing a greater understanding for the culture of Asian and Asian Americans and in developing friendships through social, cultural, and educational activities."
AFC spokesperson Angel Abcede said, "The group is an entry way for queer gays in Chicago, and serves as a welcome mat for people coming in from outside."
Bunny New Year got off to a raucous start with club members both greeting one another in bunny ears and posing with a bevy of drag performers on the red carpet. After the dinner and raffle, members participated in a musical extravaganza featuring the "bunnies" performing songs such as "The Carrot Song," "The Bunny Hop" and a heartfelt "My Bunny Valentine" from AFC President Frank Batusic.
See afchicago.org .
