BANGOR, Maine — A new Pride flag is flying in downtown Bangor.
The new 15-by-25-foot banner, unveiled at Paddy Murphy’s pub Wednesday, differs from the one displayed in previous years, which is now worn down from more than a decade of use.
The Progress Pride flag is an updated design that incorporates five new colors into the original Pride flag, aiming to increase visibility for transgender and nonbinary individuals, as well as people of color, within LGBTQ+ communities.
“The pink, white, and blue represent the transgender and gender non-conforming communities, and black represents both people of color and people who were lost to HIV and AIDS and then brown represents people of color,” said Samantha White, co-lead and organizer for Bangor Pride. “The progress flag is important because everybody is part of our community, and it shows that we’re not leaving anybody behind.”
White said Pride Flags SD made the flag in California. Its website lists the flag for $2,680.
According to Bangor Pride, the flag was funded through community donations and will remain in place throughout Pride month. The organizers offered donors the option of placing their name or a loved one’s name on the flag’s back.
“It’s just all-inclusive, and I think that’s what’s really important,” said Emma E. Wellington, co-lead of Bangor Pride. “Especially in trying times like these, that we are finding these safe spaces for people to be themselves and be able to find a community that will support them effectively.”
According to the Victoria and Albert Museum, artist Daniel Quasar developed the Progress Pride flag in 2018, while artist Gilbert Baker created the original rainbow flag in 1978.
Several members of the Bangor community gathered in West Market Square on Wednesday to watch the Progress Pride flag get draped over the side of the Paddy Murphy’s building.
“It’s just a great example of how inclusive the city is, and how welcoming of all populations that we are. All ages are here, all groups,” said Anne Krieg, Bangor’s director of community and economic development. “It’s just a wonderful part of our downtown.”
Besides Bangor Pride’s flag, unveiled Wednesday, Krieg said the city has put up Progress Pride flags throughout the city’s downtown area.
Bangor officials said it’s important that everyone feels included.
“We want people to feel safe,” said Michael Beck, a Bangor city councilor. “These are turbulent times, and we want people to know that, in Bangor, you are welcome here. You are who you are, we love you for who you are, and you’re welcomed for who you are.”
Bangor Pride is still seeking volunteers to help carry a unique flag, known as the River of Pride, in the Bangor Pride Parade on June 28. White said this flag will be hundreds of feet long.
“It’s been in New York; it’s been in Boston. It’s been in Portland Pride a couple of times,” said White. “So, we are looking for community members to help walk with the flag, we need about 60 people to help us hold it.”
For a complete list of Pride events coming to Bangor, visit bangorpride.com.
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