Palm Springs to be graced with new rainbow flagpole

Marchers from Palm Springs carry a rainbow flag down University Avenue. (File photo by Chris Stone)  A new rainbow flagpole symbolizing freedom and hope will soon rise in Palm Springs’ Arena Business District, following City Council approval of a license agreement with the nonprofit Palm Springs Pride. The agreement, approved Monday, allows the organization to construct, install, maintain and operate the flagpole at the intersection of Arenas Road and Indian Canyon Drive. The installation will feature artist Gilbert Baker’s iconic rainbow pride flag, originally created for the 1978 San Francisco Pride parade at the request of Harvey Milk. The flag was officially adopted as the Pride flag in 2011. “This landmark art installation commemorates the black, white, Latino, Asian and Native-born activists who have tirelessly fought for the LGBTQ+ equality since the flag was first flown in San Francisco in 1978,” said mayor and chief executive officer of Palm Springs Pride Ron deHarte. In addition to the rainbow flag, the council approved alternate flags including the transgender flag, bisexual flag, leather pride flag and the California state 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 project lead Mitch Battersby in a statement. Donations for the project can be made here.