Rainbow flag unfurling at hospital tower marks start of Palm Springs Pride Weekend
‘The Pride flag serves as a powerful symbol of unity, love and acceptance for all members of the LGBTQ community and their allies,’ remarked Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein as he read a City Council proclamation.
The rainbow flag was unfurled from the Sturgis Tower at Desert Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, signaling the official start of Pride Weekend in Palm Springs. The ceremony, attended by city officials and community leaders, was focused on the city’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all residents and visitors.
The flag unfurling tradition, initiated by a hospital employee in 2015, has become a symbolic start to the city’s Pride festivities, held each fall.
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Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein presented a proclamation at the event, emphasizing the city’s dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive community. The proclamation highlighted this year’s Pride theme, “Be You,” which embodies the spirit of self-acceptance, authenticity, and individuality.
“The Pride flag serves as a powerful symbol of unity, love and acceptance for all members of the LGBTQ community and their allies,” Bernstein said, reading from a City Council proclamation. “We unfurl the rainbow flag with great pride and commitment to the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights, equality and dignity.”
The proclamation highlighted this year’s Pride theme, “Be You,” which embodies the spirit of self-acceptance, authenticity, and individuality.
The flag unfurling ceremony marks the beginning of days filled with events celebrating diversity and inclusion in the city. Greater Palm Springs Pride President Ron deHarte stressed that Pride in Palm Springs offers more than just traditional festival activities, with dozens of community events happening throughout the city.
“We’ve got a great weekend of events and beautiful weather all weekend long,” deHarte said. “I think this is going to be the nicest weather we’ve had for a Pride weekend in Palm Springs for a long, long, long time.”
Details: For a complete list of Pride events, turn to the Greater Palm Springs Pride website here.
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