First designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, the rainbow flag is now the most iconic symbol of LGBTQIA+ Pride.Â
In the four decades since its debut, the rainbow flag has become an international symbol for Pride Month in June. More rainbow flags have also been designed to celebrate the broader community and the progression of LGBTQIA+ rights.
Now, the city of Healdsburg joins the Pride movement with its first ever official Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on Tuesday, June 1, at Healdsburg City Hall.
The flag that will be raised is called the Progress Pride Flag and was designed in 2018 by Daniel Quasar. The Progress Pride Flag adds a five-color chevron to the six-color rainbow to honor the transgender community and LGBTQIA+ people of color.
Throughout the month of June, all of Healdsburg’s city government buildings will show their Pride and allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community thanks to a new resolution, written by Vice Mayor of Healdsburg Ozzy Jimenez and unanimously approved by Healdsburg City Council.
Jimenez, who owns Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar, is the first Latinx city councilperson in almost three decades and is believed to be the second-ever openly councilperson.
“This is such a personally meaningful milestone,” says Jimenez. “I’m so proud to see my city make this public display of LGBTQIA+ support.”
On June 1, Jimenez will raise the Progress Pride Flag at Healdsburg City Hall (401 Grove Street) at 6pm, and both he and Mayor Evelyn Mitchell will speak at the ceremony. Afterwards, the public is welcome to walk to Healdsburg Plaza for an all-ages Pride celebration happening 6:30pm to 8:30pm and hosted by LGBTQ Connection and Positive Images–two local organizations that serve the LGBTQIA+ community.
The plaza celebration will feature music, snacks, activities and keynote speakers including councilperson Skylaer Palacios and Noe Naranjo, a young LGBTQIA+ activist from Healdsburg.
