CITYOF MERCED
MERCED
REQUEST FOR DISPLAY OF COMMEMORATIVE FLAG FORM
NAME/ORGANIZATION: Central Valley Pride
TODAY'S DATE:5/30/2024
REASON FOR REQUEST FOR COMMEMORATIVE FLAG:Central Valley Pride, in partnership with the Youth Leadership Institute, would like to submit a proposal to raise a Pride Flag (same as 2021, 2022, and 2023) on one of the three flag poles in Bob Hart Square during National Pride Month from Saturday, June 1, 2024- Sunday, June 30, 20? We are planning a short ceremony in Bob Hart Square with a Land Acknowledgment by live singing of National Anthem by Tyler Vernon, speakers from CVP, YLI, youth speakę) Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria to speak, and community members raising the flag to live performance of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
The Pride Progress Flag has the traditional rainbow colors on one side, transgender prig colors on the other, a black and brown stripe in the center to represent LGBTQIA+ peopl and a symbol for the intersex community. Placing this flag in the heart of Downtown Meg would serve to bring visibility, validity, and dignity to some of Merced's most disenfranchi and underserved individuals. Due to hate and bigotry that is experienced every day, the LGBTQIA+ community is at an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and suicide. This if especially prevalent in our queer, trans, and non binary youth. The flag will serve as a beacon of hope, love, and the ultimate statement in community acceptance, just as it ha in the past.
CITY FACILITY REQUESTED: Bob Hart Square flagpole
TIMEFRAME FOR DISPLAY OF FLAG:6/1/24-6/30/24
678 WEST 18 TH STREET, MERCED, CA 95340