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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

  • dexterjibs wrote...
    stay in the closet
    June 19, 2012 10:08 pm
    and stop shoving your morality into my world,
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • rebelnocause wrote...
    the news chick
    June 19, 2012 11:35 pm
    needs to go out on the roof there; then perhaps she would understand why they don't want to risk life and limb to put up a flag for the darlings of society. as far as I know, they don't put up special flags for bumbershoot, the bite, and other events and festivals....
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  • TheNewsChick wrote...
    rebelnocause
    June 20, 2012 7:14 am
    I've been on the top of the Needle, years ago when they raised the 12th man Seahawks flag. It's not that difficult to put a flag up, so if they don't want to do it, that's fine...but the reason won't have anything to do with logistics.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • CH wrote...
    I hope they fly the flags all over the city . . . .
    June 20, 2012 4:50 am
    just to piss off the bible thumping republicans.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • SeattleJack wrote...
    I never understood the term "Gay pride."
    June 20, 2012 5:08 am
    I have nothing whatsoever against gay people -- I just don't get what there is to be proud of. It's not like you accomplished something.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • seattlenorthender wrote...
    Tolerance
    June 20, 2012 5:30 am
    It’s not about literally “Pride”, it’s about not being ashamed of who you are. These people are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and they are ALL someone’s child. To berate or wish to punish an entire subset of the population based on a single quality, that being sexuality, is truly shameful. “May the first without sin cast the first stone” How dare any of you have the belligerent audacity to discourage love of any kind in this bitter spiteful world we live in.
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  • cdbtx wrote...
    It's a private business
    June 20, 2012 5:54 am
    They should be able to do what they want with regards to flying any flag. Give me $50K and I'll put one on my car..
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Mike in Pioneer Square wrote...
    You're Correct
    June 20, 2012 6:07 am
    We don't want you to come to our city, so stay away, Keitho. Everyone will be happier that way.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Ron_Spins wrote...
    ..........And the correct flag is.........
    June 20, 2012 6:26 am
    The Star's and Stripe's ..Old glory. What if a bunch of redneck's wanted to fly the Confederate flag?..What special interest group gets the (honor) of displaying their flag..shall it be on a rotating basis..Confederate flag one week , Star's and Bar's and the"Rainbow flag ....?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • circuitfr wrote...
    don't act gay...
    June 20, 2012 6:43 am
    gay men and women who complain about work rights and lease rights for homes need to stop acting gay. I don't care if someone is gay, but just as I wouldn't rent to a crazy person, I'm not going to rent to a flaming gay person. If a person is gay, fine. But if you have to talk with a lisp, hold your hand up, and try to be feminine, then I'm calling you a FAKE. Genetics may make you gay, but the whole culture created by the community is revolting. So many gay people act out to get attention. WHO CARES. Be yourself. And no, you can't convince me somehow that how a lot of them act is genetic. It's culture. Just as much as I detest the cussing, jean down to your knees culture, I detest the culture of being flamboyant for no reason other to just be. I have plenty of gay friends who act like perfectly respectful, normal people who don't try and push their beliefs on anybody and whom both are business owners and who do great for themselves. If someone is gay and complaining you are being discriminated against, change how you present yourself and act. Same as anyone else. Want a job? Be presentable, act professional. If you don't, gay or straight, you are going to be discriminated against. Has nothing to do with being gay.
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  • artimus wrote...
    I love it.
    June 20, 2012 6:36 am
    Insert the word 'gay' in a headline on this site and watch the inbreds break into a lather. It's like rapping your knuckles on a fish tank to watch 'em jump - you know it's cruel but it's still kinda fun.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • mnpat wrote...
    Most of the KIRO staff
    June 20, 2012 6:43 am
    Want to make sure we get our daily stipend of Gay news, whether it is a poll for, the ballot measure, or a flag, any gay news is good news for them. Keep it on the front page is the liberal philosophy and bury important news that looks at the administration in a negative way.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • kata wrote...
    maybe they are just behind on their email?
    June 20, 2012 7:03 am
    The Space Needle Co. kicked in the first $5K I don't see any reason why they wouldn't follow through on their deal. It certainly wouldn't be politically expedient given the level of pressure being applied. Ultimately it's a private business and they can do what they deem fit with their property - and if it's not violating any city codes there is nothing more to be said.

    Personally I think the retro orange is hideous but I'm not going to start a petition to change it.

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