Landmark Flagpole for Arenas District Approved

Palm Springs City Council Approves Landmark Flagpole for Arenas District

PALM SPRINGS —The Palm Springs City Council on Monday approved a license agreement with Palm Springs Pride for the construction, installation, maintenance, and operation of a landmark flagpole in the Arenas District. This decision paves the way for a powerful symbol of hope, freedom, and equality in the heart of Palm Springs, according to Mayor Ron deHarte.

The Arenas District Flagpole Project will feature a prominent installation of the Gilbert Baker-designed Pride flag, considered the most significant piece of LGBTQ+ art Baker created (June 2, 1951 – March 31, 2017). This landmark art installation commemorates the Black, white, Latino, Asian, and Native-born activists who have tirelessly fought for LGBTQ+ equality since the flag was first flown in San Francisco in 1978. It is planned to be located at Arenas Road and Indian Canyon Drive, a key gateway to the Arenas Business District. This vital project is spearheaded by the Arenas District Merchants and will be managed by the 40-year-old, 501(c)(3) nonprofit Palm Springs Pride organization.

Gilbert Baker’s iconic rainbow flag emerged from a request by the late gay supervisor Harvey Milk, who urged Baker, a gay artist, to design a symbol for the 1978 San Francisco Pride parade. With the assistance of friends Lynn Segerblom and James McNamara, Baker initially created an eight-striped rainbow flag. He later refined the design to six colored stripes, transforming it into an international symbol of LGBTQ+ rights. The Baker flag was adopted as the official Pride Flag of Palm Springs Pride in 2011.

Much like the civil rights movement it represents, the flag’s journey is ongoing. Initially, the Rainbow Flag symbolized liberation, deHarte said in a news release, breaking free from fear and conformity, and the right to express one’s sexuality without shame or retaliation. In Palm Springs, this flag will soon stand as a powerful testament to freedom and equality for all.

Palm Springs prides itself on being one of the most welcoming and inclusive communities in the nation, and this landmark art installation will further reinforce that spirit.

The concept of a landmark flagpole in the Arenas District has been a topic of discussion among members of the Arenas Business District, the first certified business district under the City’s Commercial District Program, as a way to attract visitors from downtown and the Convention Center. In July 2024, the City Council requested information from staff regarding the City’s ability to install a flagpole, culminating in tonight’s approval.

The flagpole will display the Gilbert Baker-designed Pride flag. Approved alternative flags include the Transgender flag, designed by Monica F. Helms; the Leather Pride flag, designed by Anthony (Tony) F. DeBlase; the Bisexual Pride flag, designed by Michael Page; and the flag of the State of California. Additionally, the U.S. flag will be displayed on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. Flags can be lowered to half-staff by presidential, gubernatorial, or local proclamation.

“In Palm Springs’ 87-year history, no other cultural or civic group has stepped forward to propose funding a landmark flagpole to honor their community. Yet today, the LGBTQ+ community is doing just that, championing a powerful symbol of pride and inclusivity for all to see,” said deHarte, the President and CEO of Palm Springs Pride. As Mayor of Palm Springs, Ron was recused from participating in this project.

“You can support the Landmark Pride Flag. We’re actively raising funds for the Arenas District Pride Flagpole, an incredible piece of art that will symbolize hope and commemorate the tireless fight for equality among activists of all backgrounds,” said Mitch Battersby, the Palm Springs Pride Director of Volunteers and a project lead.

Pledge your support today and stand tall with Pride at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/palm-springs-pride-arenas-district-flagpole-project.

 

About Greater Palm Springs Pride:

Greater Palm Springs Pride (www.pspride.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community enhancement organization founded to promote the public education and awareness of individual rights and civil liberties of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community and to promote the history, diversity and future prosperity of the Greater Palm Springs LGBTQ+ community. We strive to create a region where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive. We support the most marginalized, advocate for equality and justice, and work to build a culturally rich LGBTQ+ community.