The flag includes black and brown stripes to represent marginalized LGBTQ+ communities of color, along with the colors pink, light blue and white, which are used on the Transgender Pride Flag. They said, “It feels good to know everyone cares and that we are seen and appreciated.” The Progress Pride flag was developed in 2018 by non-binary artist Daniel Quasar with the redesign adding a five-colored chevron to the classic rainbow flag to place a greater emphasis on inclusion and progression. Santa Cruz High ninth-grader Taly Strubing, who identifies at LGBTQ+ was given the honor of the physical raising of the flag. Many schools countywide raised the rainbow flag to honor the legacy of Milk, a gay rights pioneer and California’s first openly gay elected official whose advocacy fueled movements for LGBTQ+ rights across the country. The Pride Progress Flag is raised Monday morning during a ceremony at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education marking Harvey Milk Day.
