Rainbow Flag to Fly at City Hall

October 6th marks the second year that City Hall waves the rainbow flag. The iconic LGBT symbol will be raised during a special ceremony (2-3:30 p.m.) on the north side of City Hall in honor of LGBT History Month. Mayor Michael Nutter, along with the Office of LGBT Affairs and the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, will raise the flag.

The Office of LGBT Affairs has been led by Gloria Casarez for the past few years – she’s one of our “New Who’s Who” in G Philly.

The rainbow flag raising not only coincides with LGBT History Month, but the Gayborhood also enjoys Outfest on Oct. 9 in celebration of National Coming Out Day. It’s also the 40th anniversary of the Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia and the 20th anniversary of COLOURS. Last night COLOURS remembered 30 years of the AIDS crisis during Sounding the Alarm at the Tyler School of Art at Temple.

And as for firsts this month, Giovanni’s Room receives the second-ever LGBT historic marker in the state during Outfest. And the Philly Trans March celebrates its first year on Oct. 8, having gained momentum thanks to special events and fundraising throughout the community. Tonight (6-8 p.m.) Trans March supporters are invited to Spiral Q (3114 Spring Garden) to create signs for the upcoming event. The event is free (but please note that Spiral Q is located on the second floor with no elevator access).

If you’re attending Outfest this year, please stop by the G Philly booth for a copy of our new print magazine.