An Open Letter to the Space Needle: Seattle Really, Really Wants You to Fly the Pride Flag
Dear Space Needle:
We are very disappointed.
Last week, Seattle Out & Proud (SO&P) sent out a press release, which stated that, rather than publically displaying the flag to passersby, Canadians driving through and tourists, you'd "bring the flag to the parade and march with it up front"--where only supporters would see it. This, dear Space Needle, feels cowardly. This isn't a statement of allegiance with the LGBT community. You are not taking a stand or making a meaningful gesture if you hiding among others who have committed so much more.
From that same press released, SO&P explained away the fact that you wouldn't be flying the pride flag during pride month, but rather, that you would be, again, hiding among allies, rather than presenting yourself as a symbol of support. From the press release (bolds are mine):
"SO&P is proud to partner with the Space Needle to find new ways to utilize this powerful symbol of inclusion to unite communities and honor diversity. To that end, we're planning a fundraiser with the Space Needle this fall to create a program where this flag can march, fly or hang over numerous cities and pride events."
What does this mean, Space Needle? That you'll be foisting the flag on some other, more supportive city? That you'll continue to march, but not to fly? That maybe if you fly the rainbow flag during some time other than pride month, the people who disagree with it will be confused and think you are celebrating multi-colored cupcakes or a new Seattle sports team? Space Needle, this is a cop-out. We want you to fly the pride flag, during pride week, over the pride parade, with pride.
And we're not the only ones who want to see it. As we noted yesterday, even Ken Schram wants you do to it. Ken Schram. And he's never happy with anything that anyone does.
There's also a petition being circulated by Change.org which has, at the time that this was published, gathered over 7,500 e-signatures in support. Because people look to you, Space Needle, literally and figuratively, to show your support for what happens in this city.
We understand that you are not flying the rainbow pride flag this year (or ever again), because you don't want to be prejudicial, and because you don't want to run any flags with any kind of recurrence. And doing something last year, and then doing it again? You're right. That would be absurdly repetitive.
We can only assume then, that you will no longer be flying the SeaFair flag every year, and that you will no longer display the 12th Man flag during football season. Because that would be prejudicial, and it would be reoccurring.
And if you do continue to fly other flags with regularity? Then we can only assume what we all already are thinking: that you're not flying the pride flag out of cowardice.
Love,
Seattlest
