For the first time in Westchester County history, the LGBTQ Advisory Board and county officials raised two Progress Pride flags at Playland Amusement
Park, and unveiling a Progress Pride Flag mural painted by The LOFT in front of the Playland Fountain.

The Progress Pride Flag was designed in 2018 by Daniel Quasar to bring focus on inclusion and progress within the LGBTQ+ community. While retaining the common six-stripe rainbow design as a base, the “Progress” design adds a chevron along the side that features black, brown, light blue, pink and white stripes to recognize people of color, trans individuals, those living with HIV/AIDS and those who have been lost to HIV/AIDS.

“Here in Westchester County we want all to know they are welcome and they are respected,” County Executive George Latimer said. “When it was brought to my attention that we needed to do more than raise the Pride Flag, that we had to include the Progress Pride Flag, I immediately said ‘yes.’ Anything we can do to show the love and support we have for our LGBTQ+ family we will do. The arrows on the Flag point to show the forward movement, but it also shows the
progress that still needs to be made. We will get there together my friends.”

Along with the two Progress Pride flags being raised on top of the Playland Ice Casino joining the American Flag, the Progress Pride Mural was painted at the request of The LOFT, by members of LGBTQ+ community.  “We are proud that Westchester County under County Executive George Latimer has been flying the Pride Flag since 2019 in celebration of Pride Month,” said Chris Oldi, chairperson of the LGBTQ Adivsory Board.“We are also proud that the County is now using the Progress Pride Flag, which represents the all-embracing and beautiful spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community. We look forward to continuing to work
with the County Executive and Legislators to ensure that Westchester continues to be a safe, open and warm place for all LGBTQ+ persons.”

The LOFT Executive Director Judy Troilo added, “This is what the Progress Pride Flag mural at Playland represents: We are part of the Westchester
family, we are loved and we belong. The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center is deeply fortunate to have a County government that is so responsive in addressing our community needs. We hope to use this foundation to continue the good work of strengthening and empowering the LGBTQ+ Community.” (Submitted)