Human Rights Commission votes to pursue city-backed Pride flag displays and anniversary flag-raising

The Palm Springs Human Rights Commission voted May 11 to pursue a city-backed display of Pride flags and to mark the one-year anniversary of the large Pride flag on Arenas Road.

Commissioner Neans (participating by Zoom) proposed that commissioners take a visible stance against attacks on LGBTQIA2S+ people by replacing the anniversary flag, participating in the raising ceremony, and lining Palm Canyon with Pride flags similar to Veterans Day flag displays. "When I am in a town that I don't know and I'm driving through or I'm walking through and I see a rainbow flag...I definitely feel a little safer as a gay man," Neans said.

Commissioners discussed logistics, partnership with PS Pride, and budget implications. One commissioner asked whether the project should be led by PS Pride or come directly from a city entity; Neans said there is symbolic value if the city or a city commission leads the effort. The commission moved and seconded a motion to have a commissioner take the proposal to the council liaison to begin discussions about how to bring the idea to fruition; the motion carried by voice/hand vote.

Staff and commissioners noted that further planning will require discussions with the council liaison, budget review, and logistical work such as flag procurement and placement; no funding appropriation was recorded at the May 11 meeting. Commissioners agreed to partner with local Pride organizers on design and activities as the proposal advances to the council level.

Next steps: the commission will ask staff to place a focused item on a future agenda, the commissioner assigned will consult the council liaison about formal steps and budget considerations, and partners such as PS Pride will be invited to assist with design and implementation.