Mayor Karen Bass and Councilman Tim McOsker hoisted the Progress Pride Flag over City Hall on June 6, 2024, signalling the start of Pride Month. The flag, which symbolises LGBTQ+ pride and inclusivity, will be flown daily in June to commemorate the movement’s origins after the Stonewall riots.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Councilman Tim McOsker raised the Progress Pride Flag over City Hall on June 6, 2024, marking the first time the flag has been flown there. This event will see the flag flown daily during June, which is recognized as Pride Month, commemorating LGBTQ+ pride, a movement that began after the Stonewall riots in 1969 in New York City.
The initiative followed the passing of an ordinance by the City Council, signed by Bass, permitting the display of pride flags in June. The Progress Pride Flag, designed by Daniel Quasar in 2018, incorporates additional stripes to the traditional rainbow design to represent marginalized communities, including Black and Indigenous people, and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.
Councilman McOsker, who represents the 15th District, highlighted the city’s commitment to inclusivity, noting the importance of everyone feeling seen and embraced. McOsker has been a staunch ally of the LGBTQ+ community, partly inspired by his daughter and her wife.
Last year, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors also voted to raise the Progress Pride Flag at several government buildings, continuing the tradition this June. The original Pride Flag was first showcased at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade in 1978, designed by artist Gilbert Baker with support from Harvey Milk.
This historic event underscores Los Angeles’ ongoing support and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
