The Fourth Consecutive Year of Pride Flag Raising

Los Angeles County held its fourth annual Progress Pride flag-raising ceremony at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration on June 5, 2026, kicking off Pride Month with speeches from officials and community leaders.

The event was officiated by county officials, including First District Supervisor and Board Chair Hilda Solis, who helped hoist the flag alongside Sunitha Menon , executive director of the L .A. County LGBTQ+ Commission, and Sydney Rogers, chair of the LGBTQ+ Commission.

Assessor Jeffrey Prang was also present.

The ceremony featured speeches from these leaders, as well as from District Attorney Nathan Hochman, and members of the Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a well-known activist group.

The flag was also raised this week at the county Department of Public Social Services headquarters, marking the commencement of the annual Pride Month celebrations traditionally held in June.

An Echo of Stonewall and AIDS History

These events honor the queer community in Los Angeles County and coincide with the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a pivotal moment in the fight for queer civil rights that occurred 57 years ago .

The display of the Progress Flag over county buildings symbolizes Los Angeles County's ongoing commitment to equality, visibility, and fair treatment for the LGBTQ+ population.

The date of the ceremony, June 5, carries additional historical weight.

Exactly 45 years earlier, on June 5,1981,the first official report was published describing a mysterious illness that would later be identified as AIDS.

A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride and Resilience

The flag-raising thus serves as a dual commemoration: a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and resilience, and a reminder of the community's historical struggles, including the AIDS crisis.

The Progress Flag itsself, which incorporates the traditional rainbow colors along with black and brown stripes to represent LGBTQ+ people of color, and light blue,pink, and white for the transgender community, reflects an inclusive vision of the movement.

The presence of diverse speakers, from elected officials to activist groups like the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, highlighted the broad coalition supporting LGBTQ+ rights in Los Angeles.

What's Next for LGBTQ+ Rights in Los Angeles County?

The county's decision to raise the flag at two major departmental buildings sends a clear message of solidarity.

The event included photo documentation by contributing photographer Jacob Lewis, capturing moments of the speeches and the flag being lifted.

The atmosphere was described as celebratory yet purposeful, with community members and county employees alike participating.