SAN DIEGO – The Gaslamp Quarter Association has announced that the tradition of displaying 124 rainbow flags for San Diego Pride along Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter will continue this year from July 12 to 31. The rainbow flags are presented by San Diego Pride, the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is fostering pride in and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, locally, nationally, and globally. This year marks the second year the Pride flags will be showcased in the Gaslamp Quarter. Mayor Kevin Faulconer, San Diego Pride officials, and members of the LGBT community kicked off this San Diego custom for the 40th anniversary of San Diego Pride in July 2014.
The rainbow flags, popular symbol of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, will be displayed atop each of the “gaslamp” streetlight posts lining Fifth Avenue from Broadway to Harbor Drive in the Gaslamp Quarter. The flags will be installed on Sunday, July 12, 2015 through Friday, July 31, 2015 in conjunction with San Diego Pride’s annual Pride Celebration on July 17-19, 2015. The annual event features a wide program of exciting events, including a music festival, parade, block party, and rally.
“San Diego Pride celebrations aren’t limited to one community, it’s a catalyst that bonds our communities and celebrates our differences,” states Mayor Kevin Faulconer. “In the spirit ofOne San Diego, I’m so excited to continue this tradition of celebrating our diversity and equality for all.”
“San Diego Pride is grateful to the Gaslamp Quarter Association and to Mayor Faulconer for sending such a powerful message to San Diegans and visitors alike that everyone is welcome,” said Stephen Whitburn, Executive Director of San Diego Pride. “This supportive and colorful display of rainbow flags gives LGBT people yet another reason to celebrate who they are in the heart of San Diego.”
Adds Michael Trimble, Executive Director of the Gaslamp Quarter Association, “We are proud to showcase these rainbow flags on what is perhaps San Diego’s most prominent avenue as we feel this is a clear, unequivocal statement of diversity and equality, reflective of the spirit of our city, as well as our neighborhood. The Gaslamp Quarter Association looks forward to upholding this wonderful tradition for years to come.”
