Palm Springs is about to raise the bar—literally. The City Council has officially approved plans for a Pride flagpole to be built in the heart of the Arenas District, marking a powerful new chapter in the city’s commitment to LGBTQ visibility. Spearheaded by Greater Palm Springs Pride, this landmark installation will fly the original six-color rainbow flag designed by Gilbert Baker, a symbol that has come to define queer liberation across the globe. The project is not just decorative; it’s deeply symbolic, meaningful, and rooted in the city’s rich history of queer advocacy.

Public symbols matter. For generations, marginalized communities have fought for visibility, recognition, and dignity. In the LGBTQ community, no icon has captured that struggle quite like the rainbow flag. First unfurled in 1978 at the request of Harvey Milk, it has since become a rallying symbol for equal rights, unapologetic love, and queer joy. Now, Palm Springs—a city known for its warm welcome to LGBTQ residents and travelers—will cement that message with a towering, permanent tribute.

This project represents more than colorful fabric waving in the breeze. It’s a reminder that queer history didn’t start with Stonewall and didn’t stop with marriage equality. Activists of every background—Black, Latino, Asian, Native, and white—have shaped LGBTQ progress. And now, Palm Springs is building a space to honor that legacy while lighting a path forward. Keep reading to find out how this Pride flagpole is becoming a centerpiece of culture, history, and queer excellence in the desert.

A Flagpole With Purpose

Palm Springs’ new Pride flagpole isn’t just any installation—it’s a statement. Located at the corner of Arenas Road and Indian Canyon Drive, the structure will mark a major gateway into the Arenas District, the city’s most vibrant queer corridor. Anchored by local LGBTQ-owned businesses, bars, and cultural spots, this part of town has long served as a home base for queer nightlife, community events, and Pride celebrations. The addition of a landmark flagpole only reinforces its significance.

The flag flying above will be Gilbert Baker’s original six-color rainbow design, which has been the official flag of Greater Palm Springs Pride since 2011. Baker created the rainbow symbol in collaboration with Lynn Segerblom and James McNamara, originally unveiling an eight-striped version before settling on the now-iconic six hues. With each stripe representing a value—life, healing, sunlight, nature, harmony, and spirit—the flag reflects the multifaceted strength of the LGBTQ community.

According to the project’s leaders, this new installation is a long time coming. The idea was sparked by the Arenas District Merchants, who saw the flagpole as both a tribute to queer heritage and a practical way to draw visitors from downtown and the Convention Center into the district. After months of planning and a green light from the City Council, the vision is becoming reality.

Honoring History, Inspiring the Future

While many cities raise rainbow flags during Pride Month, Palm Springs is going several steps further. This installation will be permanent, with lighting and structured programming. Think: a literal rallying point for LGBTQ visibility, community engagement, and public education. The location also holds weight—situated at the entrance to a district that has served as a queer sanctuary for decades.

The symbolism runs deep. As project organizers explain, the flag will honor the diverse people who have helped shape the LGBTQ movement—from Black and brown activists to trans pioneers, Indigenous advocates, and everyday queer folks who have stood up for their right to exist. It will also mark milestones in queer culture and history, flying alternative community flags like the Transgender flag, Leather Pride flag, and Bisexual flag on selected days.

The United States and California flags will be rotated in on specific national holidays—Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day—with all flags following official protocols for half-staff recognition during times of mourning or remembrance. It’s this blend of national pride and queer pride that makes the project so unique: a public space that reflects both civic and cultural identity.

A Community-Funded Labor of Love

One of the most inspiring elements of the Pride flagpole project is that it’s entirely community funded. No other civic group has previously stepped up to finance a landmark like this in Palm Springs. But the LGBTQ community—never one to wait for permission—has done exactly that. From grassroots donations to volunteer hours, this project is powered by people who believe visibility is vital.

Palm Springs Pride, a nonprofit with over 40 years of history, is managing the project in partnership with the Arenas District Merchants. Their fundraising campaign is now in full swing, calling on locals, visitors, and allies to pitch in. According to Mitch Battersby, the organization’s Director of Volunteers and project lead, the goal is clear: create a symbol that doesn’t just reflect the past but motivates future generations.

The call to action is as bold as the flag itself. Whether you’re a longtime Palm Springs resident, a frequent visitor, or someone who simply believes in queer joy and justice, now is the time to show up. You can support the Arenas District Pride Flagpole by making a donation at https://bit.ly/arenasflag, with every dollar going toward installation, maintenance, and programming.

More Than a Flag—It’s a Destination

While the structure itself may be steel and fabric, the experience will be pure magic. Imagine the photo ops. Picture the parades. Envision the everyday moments—first dates, Sunday strolls, protest marches—taking place under this banner of hope. For visitors, it will be a must-see landmark. For locals, it will be a daily reminder of resilience, representation, and celebration.

This is about building something that lasts. A flagpole that marks not only where we’ve been, but where we’re going. A place where queer couples can kiss under the stars, activists can rally, and tourists can take a selfie and feel part of something bigger. In a world that still tries to push LGBTQ people into the shadows, Palm Springs is making sure we stay seen—and celebrated.

Palm Springs has always been proud. Now it’s raising that pride sky-high.

Got Pride? Let Us Know

Are you excited about the new Pride flagpole going up in Palm Springs? Do you think more cities should follow suit? Drop your thoughts, memories, and dreams in the comments. Whether it’s your first Pride or your 40th, we want to hear how public symbols like this make a difference in your life.