PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The greatest progress Rainbow Pride flag in America debuted Friday at various locations in Philadelphia. Just in time for the city’s Pride march and festival this weekend.
“We know that as a community we have existed all over the city,” said Tyrell Brown, executive director of Galaei and Philly Pride 365.
And it’s for that reason that this record-breaking, 400-foot tall rainbow flag is winding its way through Philadelphia to iconic landmarks.
“We really want to make sure that we can lift up city pride in all corners and encourage other people who also have their flags. If you have a Pride flag, hang it out your window. Show your pride, because we are really about lifting everyone up,” Brown said.
The tour started this morning at the top of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art before heading to City Hall.
“It’s just an incredible moment. It’s a visual representation of what Pride means to so many of us. It’s unity,” said Council Member Rue Landau. “It’s diverse. It’s inclusion and it’s the strength of our community and having it travel throughout the city.”
The tour then continued through the stadium district.
“The Pride progress flag is something that is very special to Philly. Including the trans colors and also the black and brown stripes.” Program Coordinator for Galaei and Philly Pride 365, Diamond Anthony, said.
The flag has white, pink and light blue stripes representing the transgender community and black and brown stripes representing the queer and trans identities of black and brown people.
As the flag flies through the streets of Philadelphia, many in the LGBTQIA+ community reflect on the past, but also their hopes for a better future.
“With a flag like that, it shows how big of a contribution we’ve made in this community,” Anthony said.
