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Gay pride flag on the Space Needle, 2012?

June 19, 2012 @ 6:08 pm (Updated: 3:47 am - 6/21/12 )

UPDATE: This statement in my email from The Space Needle: "As we don't raise any flag but the American flag on a regular basis, there are no plans to raise the Rainbow Flag again this year. We will continue to support equal rights and actively foster these causes as we have in the past."

The Space Needle flew a gay pride flag for the first time in 2010. A petition and fundraising effort convinced them to do it again in 2011. What about 2012?

Seattle

The Space Needle, a symbol of Seattle though owned by a private company, initially said it would not fly the rainbow flag last year. The company changed its mind after $50,000 was raised to benefit charities that work with the LGBT community, and the flag waved during Seattle's 2011 Gay Pride Parade.

The 2012 parade is this weekend. Space Needle managers haven't responded to my question about whether they will or won't fly the flag atop the structure, now painted "galaxy orange" in honor of its 50th anniversary.

Supporters are asked to sign a petition to raise the flag again.

"What a sight. I will never forget seeing the Pride flag on top of the Space Needle for the first time. I felt so proud of Seattle, and completely welcome in my home town," writes Stuart Wilber, who is behind the latest petition campaign.

Here's his essay, stating what seeing the flag flying on Seattle's symbol means to him:

Whenever I see photos of the Space Needle with the Pride flag, I think about how important that moment was for young people in Seattle and around the world. As you know, bullying has continued to lead to highly public suicides by young gay or gay-perceived youth. It is still very challenging for young people in this country. However, when I see photos of the Space Needle with the Pride flag, I can't help but think of the young people, and how much hope your symbol of acceptance must give them.

I also was inspired by how important that moment was for me and my older LGBT friends. Our older community members have struggled for the most basic rights, like being able to rent an apartment, or hold a job, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. I will never forget the smiles on their faces as they gazed upon the Space Needle proudly waving the flag.

Those of us who are gay and live in Seattle and WA State are fortunate - many of our representatives are supportive of our equality. And when we saw that rainbow flag flying over the iconic Needle, we for a brief time felt included and welcomed - a feeling many of us as LGBT folk never get to experience. Many of our youth are homeless and have no access to computers; others watch the "It Gets Better" videos and wonder, "when?" Last year our President and our Governor, the King County Council, The Seattle City Council and our Mayor again proclaimed Gay Pride and the rainbow flag again flew over the Space Needle. No one will remember those proclamations, but thousands will remember seeing the flag atop the Needle. And everyone who saw it will know that thanks to you, it had already gotten a little better.

Space Needle, we still need you to continue to show your pride because young people are still bullied for who they are. We need you to be a beacon of hope for people around the world who are oppressed - and even threatened with death - simply because of who they were born to be. This year in November we face a referendum on our struggle for equality. Please join other leading Northwest employers in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality and continue to stand with the LGBT community. Please show the world that Seattle welcomes everyone by raising the flag again for Seattle Pride 2012.

By LINDA THOMAS

More from Linda Thomas

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Comments (57)


  • Add A Comment

  • Keitho wrote...
    Why not?
    June 19, 2012 5:24 pm
    What better symbol for Seattle to give the rest of the state the middle finger than the space needle? Seattle doesn't want our cars in their city, they dont want us shopping in their city, they seem to embrace or at least tolerate violent anti capitalists in the city and they are all in for the homosexual community. Seattle certainly does not represent the values of the rest of the state. So, I say go ahead and fly the flag. Just look East this weekend so you can see me moon your gay pride.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • R L M 456 wrote...
    Well said, Keitho
    June 20, 2012 2:40 pm
    Be sure to keep some safe space between that "moonie" and the half of Seattle that would love to "Tap it"
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Rangerhawk wrote...
    Better yet...
    June 19, 2012 5:56 pm
    Consider hanging it over the backside of a tunnel or something for 2012?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Seattle is a cesspool wrote...
    Rangerhawk...
    June 20, 2012 6:35 am
    Just made my day. I believe my screen name states my feeling. Enjoy yourselves Seattle.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Sgt Fatso wrote...
    I Am Going to Throwup.
    June 19, 2012 5:57 pm
    Seattle makes me vomit. I never say that I am from that immoral city. Very embarrassing. They have lost their sense of right and wrong.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • anotherfencewalker wrote...
    I dont care..
    June 19, 2012 6:25 pm
    Just stop trying to make us wear your flag. We need to get to work in the morning. Bills to pay. We've got sh1t to do.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • rational wrote...
    Just curious...
    June 19, 2012 6:29 pm
    Liberals always caterwaul and accuse others of doing something that is "offensive" "hurtful" and "hateful" and demand they don't do it if even one person complains...so why do they insist on flying a flag that offends many Seattlites? What happened to that liberal compassion? Oh, I get it, liberals are liars....nevermind, question resolved.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • nwskiergirl wrote...
    Why don't we make everyday flag day???
    June 19, 2012 7:29 pm
    I want a flag so the whole world will stop thinking I'm just a blonde babe with no brain. Everyone either hits on me, makes fun of me, is jealous or me or wants to be me! Oh my somebody get me a flag so others will know how abused I am. How discriminated against I am. How hard it is for me in the workplace. I never get respect anywhere I go. I should just move to Switzerland, at least then I will be just like everyone else. And yet, they don't fly flags. Hmmm, get over yourselves. No Child Left Behind was a horrible idea and so is No Adult Left Behind. Not everyone is going to like you or support you. If you'd quit trying to make everyone accept you maybe more people would.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • maplefish wrote...
    Touché ski girl!
    June 19, 2012 7:57 pm
    The gay tolerance parade is a one way street. Either you accept us or your a bigot or a redneck or a bully. Enough already you silly homo's!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • hardworkingingerlib wrote...
    You people make me suck
    June 19, 2012 8:58 pm
    As in the people writing on this blog so far. You should all be so ashamed of yourselves. It has nothing to do with "if you don't think my way your a biget" it just has to do with judging people on how they carry themselves daily as either a nice person who tries to work hard and do good, or if you are scum of the country that just uses and abuses everything and everyone around you. How many right wing people been murdered in cold blood by gay people? If any, ALOT LESS than how many gays been beat and killed for just choosing a different sexual partner. I believe EVERYONE needs to just stop being so offended over everything! Right and Left complain just the same! And to the person saying "Just stop trying to make us wear your flag. We need to get to work in the morning. Bills to pay. We've got sh1t to do." Wow, you probably never worked as hard as I have try packing panels and tying rebar everyday for years, gays work just as hard and pay just as much bills and they don't complain as much as you. And if your so busy, why are you taking the time to do this? And nwskiergirl, there was flags for you, your so stupid, ever heard of burning bras? You know woman couldn't vote back in the day? If no one ever said, "everyone should be treated equal" then we would be like china, know how bad it is there? Oh ya, you'd be dead most likely! The parade is not for the adults as much as it is the kids. They need to know to not kill themselves because it gets better once they get away from people that just hate them for what they are. Like actual hate, not teasing blonde jokes. How many kids get beaten up for being blonde, lol please. I can't remember the last time I been offended, and that's all I hear about in the news is everyone getting offended, not just liberals by far. Rednecks do not get kicked out of gay bars, if there just minding there own business, Gays, get kicked out and threatened by people they are not even conversing with, thats a fact, not story. Thats why people want to support the flag, stop the hate. Dan Savage like in every group, has said wrong things, but who cares! I still watch Bill O'rielly!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • rational wrote...
    hardworkingingerlib wrote...
    June 19, 2012 9:19 pm
    You people make me suck

    Are you sure you want to blame everyone on MYNW for your proclivities?

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • maplefish wrote...
    Hardworking
    June 19, 2012 9:34 pm
    You are a class A idiot. Go cry somewhere on the Stranger blog. Nobody here gives a ratsass about what you think. And you SUCK! How do you like me know?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • boyerbl wrote...
    Fly the flag when...
    June 19, 2012 9:10 pm
    Only fly the flag when the LGBT community pays it's past due account to the city for their prior use of the Seattle Center.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • TwistedFang wrote...
    So for those in favor of Gay Marriage I assume you favor Polygamy also right?
    June 19, 2012 9:24 pm
    If your reasoning for supporting Gay Marriage is "What right do we have to deny someone who loves another person to be able to marry that person whom they love" then you HAVE to be in favor of Polygamy right? I mean afterall, what right do you have to deny someone the right to marry MORE THEN ONE person that they love!" right? If your reasoning is how does it affect your marriage if Gay Marriage is legal, then you also have to be in favor of Polygamy as well! If you dont YOU ARE A HYPOCRITE!!! MARRIAGE IS ONE MAN ONE WOMAN!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • dexterjibs wrote...
    slouching towards Gomorha
    June 19, 2012 10:07 pm
    seattle will be one of the 1st cities destroyed due to its immorality.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }