The Progress Pride Flag is now flying at City Hall alongside the Australian, United Nations, New South Wales, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
It’s the first time the flag at flown at City Hall and it will remain there to coincide with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras which runs until Sunday 6 March.
“City of Newcastle is committed to ensuring our city celebrates diversity and advocates for inclusivity in support of our LGBTIQ+ community,” Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes said.
Designed by non-binary artist and graphic designer Daniel Quasar in 2018, the Progress Pride Flag incorporates the existing six-coloured Rainbow Flag, widely recognised as the symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities, which was designed by Gilbert Baker for the 1978 San Francisco Freedom Day Parade.
The Progress Pride Flag also includes a multicoloured chevron (a V-shaped element) to represent trans, nonbinary and gender diverse people. The chevron comprises black and brown for Indigenous people and people of colour, as well as white, pink and blue, the colours of the Trans Pride Flag designed by American trans woman Monica Helms in 1999.
“As the city with the highest ‘Yes’ vote in regional Australia in support of marriage equality, we want to ensure that our community feels safe and supported, which is why we’ll be flying the Progress Pride Flag on days and for events that hold significance amongst Newcastle’s LGBTIQ+ community,” Cr Nelmes said.
The flying of the Progress Pride Flag was an initiative brought about via a Lord Mayoral Minute and supported unanimously by the elected Council in September 2021.
The flag will also be flown to coincide with future days and events including International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia, Pride Month, Wear it Purple Day, Newcastle Pride Festival and Trans Day of Remembrance.
