Yet that safety and sanctuary are not always extended to people of color, who can experience discrimination, racism, and exclusion in LGBTQ spaces. In major cities like Philadelphia, the gay-friendly bar scene serves as a safe haven and sanctuary for members of the LGBTQ community. It’s a reminder that progress toward greater inclusivity requires Philadelphia to offer more than symbols. Mixed reactions to the city’s new flag reveal the change is not fully embraced by everyone. The city’s new flag reveal the change is not fully embraced by everyone. The flag was created by the Philadelphia Office of LGBT Affairs’ More Color, More Pride campaign and is meant to symbolize the city’s inclusion of people of color in the LGBTQ community. For Pride Month, the city of Philadelphia unveiled a new official pride flag giving the rainbow an inclusive update by adding black and brown stripes.
