Ron DeHart, president of Greater Palm Springs Pride and the city’s mayor pro tem, will speak at the flag unfurling ceremony Wednesday morning.
A rainbow flag was unfurled from Desert Regional Medical Center’s Sturgis Tower on Wednesday, marking the official start of Pride Weekend in Palm Springs. The ceremony, attended by city officials and community leaders, focused on the city’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all residents and visitors.
This flag-unfurling tradition, started by hospital staff in 2015, serves as the symbolic beginning of the city’s Pride festival, held each fall.
Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein announced the proclamation at the event, highlighting the city’s commitment to building a welcoming and inclusive community. The declaration emphasized this year’s Pride theme, “Be You,” which embodies the spirit of self-acceptance, authenticity, and individuality.
“The Pride flag serves as a powerful symbol of unity, love, and acceptance for all members of the LGBTQ community and their allies,” Bernstein said as he read the City Council proclamation. “We unfurl the rainbow flag with great pride and commitment to the continued fight for LGBTQ rights, equality, and dignity.”
The declaration emphasized this year’s Pride theme, “Be You,” which embodies the spirit of self-acceptance, authenticity, and individuality.
The flag unfurling ceremony marks the beginning of a day filled with events celebrating diversity and inclusion in the city. Ron DeHart, president of Greater Palm Springs Pride, emphasized that Pride in Palm Springs offers more than just traditional festival activities, with dozens of community events held throughout the city.
“We have had great events and great weather all weekend,” DeHart said. “I think it’s going to be the best weather for Pride weekend in Palm Springs in a long, long time.”
More information: For a complete list of Pride events, visit the Greater Palm Springs Pride website here.
