Philadelphia’s Official Rainbow Flag Raising Ceremony Set

Photo courtesy of Philly Bricks.

October marks LGBT History Month, and the City of Philadelphia is carrying on with the tradition of raising a rainbow flag right next to the United States flag outside of City Hall.

The rainbow flag was hoisted today, but a special ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, October 11 at City Hall, will serve as the “official” flag raising event, with a tentative start time of 11:30 am.

Nellie Fitzpatrick, Director of the Mayor’s office of LGBT Affairs, hopes that the event “allows our LGBT communities and city the time to reflect on our collective past, the struggles and difficulties so many have faced, the resiliency and beauty of our people and the hope we must carry within and for each other as we move forward.”

“I am proud that Philadelphia has such a strong LGBT community and that it has been recognized as being the best big city in the country for LGBT equality. I am a lifelong advocate and supporter of Philadelphia’s LGBT citizens and will continue to fight for just and equal treatment of LGBT individuals,” said Mayor Nutter. “I want to encourage every Philadelphian to come out and participate in flag raising ceremony on October 11 and show your support to our LGBT community members.”

The ceremony will honor the late Gloria Casarez and will “spotlight the 50th Anniversary of the Annual Reminders demonstration, the William Way Community Center, celebrating its 40th anniversary, and Philadelphia FIGHT, marking its 25th anniversary,” according to the Mayor’s office. Also on hand will be the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus and the LGBT Veteran Color Guard.

Later that day, the Mural Arts Program and the city will dedicate the new Gloria Casarez mural at 204 South 12th Street at 1 pm.