www.ambiente.us NOVEMBER / NOVIEMBRE 2008
Gay Pride Flag Is Raised In Miami Beach
MIAMI BEACH ― Three decades after the gay pride flag was created, gays and Lesbians are hoping to take
its powerful symbolism to a new level—sharing space on flag poles around Miami Beach.
On Monday, November 10th, Old Glory got
company from the pride flag in Miami Beach's
City Hall. Mayor Matti Herrera Bower ran the
Gay Pride Flag up the flag pole, making what
some would call a bold statement.
"I don't think this a bold step," said Herrera
Bower. "I think that this is just another step to
making a whole city, a city that really
welcomes Gays and lesbians."
Up until recently the gay flag was banned from
being flown under city law.
"All gay and lesbians are welcome on Miami Beach," announced Michael Aller during the flag raising Monday
night. Some might view this statement as a formality, as Miami Beach has been known to be one of South
Florida's most gay friendly locations, and thousands of tourists know it.
With a new amendment passed by the city commission, all that changed, allowing it to be flown anywhere,
including government buildings.
"It's a historic day for us," said resident Luis Randazzo. "The gay flag is a representation of diversity. It
represents equality. It represents the cultural identity of the community."
A large group paraded the flag around town, proudly posting it at highly visible locations such as Lincoln
Road and the Miami Beach Police station--showing off their new rights.
"Miami Beach has a little bit of everything," said one beach resident. "I think that's what makes Miami Beach
what it is. So I'm ok with it."
Most people passing by were ok with the new colors, but mixed when it came to attaching it to city hall.
"I don't have a special flag so why do they get a special flag," said visitor Mike Vadermolen. "If they want to
keep being the same be the same."
"You don't need to raise a straight flag because that represents our identity," said Randazzo.
The mayor says the flag will be posted intermittently at government buildings. Businesses will likely keep it
up year round. The Miami Beach commission is hoping they are on the forefront, paving the way for the rest of
South Florida.
Miami is currently bidding to host the IX Gay Games in 2014. It's competing with 14 cities worldwide,
including Washington D.C., Cleveland and Boston.
Copyright © CBS4 & AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing this source.
Gay Pride Flag Is Raised In Miami Beach
MIAMI BEACH ― Three decades after the gay pride flag was created, gays and Lesbians are hoping to take
its powerful symbolism to a new level—sharing space on flag poles around Miami Beach.
On Monday, November 10th, Old Glory got
company from the pride flag in Miami Beach's
City Hall. Mayor Matti Herrera Bower ran the
Gay Pride Flag up the flag pole, making what
some would call a bold statement.
"I don't think this a bold step," said Herrera
Bower. "I think that this is just another step to
making a whole city, a city that really
welcomes Gays and lesbians."
Up until recently the gay flag was banned from
being flown under city law.
"All gay and lesbians are welcome on Miami Beach," announced Michael Aller during the flag raising Monday
night. Some might view this statement as a formality, as Miami Beach has been known to be one of South
Florida's most gay friendly locations, and thousands of tourists know it.
With a new amendment passed by the city commission, all that changed, allowing it to be flown anywhere,
including government buildings.
"It's a historic day for us," said resident Luis Randazzo. "The gay flag is a representation of diversity. It
represents equality. It represents the cultural identity of the community."
A large group paraded the flag around town, proudly posting it at highly visible locations such as Lincoln
Road and the Miami Beach Police station--showing off their new rights.
"Miami Beach has a little bit of everything," said one beach resident. "I think that's what makes Miami Beach
what it is. So I'm ok with it."
Most people passing by were ok with the new colors, but mixed when it came to attaching it to city hall.
"I don't have a special flag so why do they get a special flag," said visitor Mike Vadermolen. "If they want to
keep being the same be the same."
"You don't need to raise a straight flag because that represents our identity," said Randazzo.
The mayor says the flag will be posted intermittently at government buildings. Businesses will likely keep it
up year round. The Miami Beach commission is hoping they are on the forefront, paving the way for the rest of
South Florida.
Miami is currently bidding to host the IX Gay Games in 2014. It's competing with 14 cities worldwide,
including Washington D.C., Cleveland and Boston.
Copyright © CBS4 & AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing this source.
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