Progress, Pride, and Unity: BaBEC's Journey to Raise the Progress Pride Flag in Cherry Grove
When you ride the ferry into Cherry Grove, one of the most emblematic symbols of the community comes into view as the boat approaches the dock, and that is the enormous gay pride flag that billows in the wind next to the equally magnificent American flag that flies from a separate flagpole. Since BaBEC’s inception in the Summer of 2020, one of our first suggestions to the community was to update the original Gilbert Baker-designed flag to the Progress Pride flag, designed by Daniel Quasar. In this vibrant community, where the rainbow flag has long been a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and acceptance, a significant movement toward true recognition, validation, and acknowledgment began.
A Movement Sparked by an Incident
Summer 2020 witnessed a stirring moment in Cherry Grove's history. A vandalism incident occurred where the letters "BLM" were spray-painted onto the Cherry Grove Community House and Theatre, leading to an outpouring of emotion and conversations within the community. BaBEC’s president, Tomik Dash, recognized this moment as an opportunity to channel the outrage into a constructive dialogue by authoring an article called "A Guide To Being Anti-Racist in Fire Island." This viral piece set the stage for BaBEC's inception.
The Progress Pride Flag: A Symbol of Change
BaBEC's first initiative was not just about raising a flag but raising awareness. The Progress Pride Flag is a symbol of inclusivity. For Quasar, the light blue, pink, and white stripes represent trans and non-binary individuals, and the brown and black stripes represent marginalized People of Color (POC) communities. The black stripe has a double meaning as it is also intended for "those living with AIDS and the stigma and prejudice surrounding them, and those who have been lost to the disease.” Though some saw this initiative as a simple or even performative gesture, BaBEC recognized it as an essential and tangible step towards the acknowledgment and acceptance of BIPOC LGBTQ+ members in Cherry Grove.
Victory, Challenges, and Persistence
Through a community fundraiser, tireless advocacy, and committed collaboration, BaBEC succeeded in purchasing the Progress Pride Flag. The triumphant flag-raising ceremony on Juneteenth weekend of 2021 was a joyous event that symbolized a new beginning. However, the subsequent removal and limited display of the flag revealed that the path to lasting change is never smooth. Through persistence, our organization’s continued efforts bore fruit, and as of Saturday, August 5, 2023, both versions of the gay pride flag will fly simultaneously on the Cherry Gorve dock! A large gay pride flag will fly alone on one pole, and the large American flag will fly on the other pole, with a smaller version of the complimentary gay pride flag beneath it. The gay pride flags will switch places every two weeks. The dates on which version of the large flag will fly are noted on the Cherry Grove Community Association, Inc (CGCAI) calendar.
A Step Forward, A Long Road Ahead
While the success of the Progress Pride flag initiative is undoubtedly a cause for celebration, it's also a stark reminder that there is much work to be done. The effort to raise a flag uncovered deeper issues and resistance, showing that what seemed like low-hanging fruit was indeed a complex challenge. BaBEC understands that flying the flag is just one part of a long journey to create truly affirming ecosystems within the community. True belonging for BIPOC LGBTQ+ and transgender people involves analyzing and deconstructing systems of gatekeeping, supporting accessibility, and fostering empathy.
Join Us: Be Part of the Change
BaBEC invites you to join and support this vital cause. The power of using your voice and engaging in conversations with neighbors and friends can spark real change. The Progress Pride flag initiative is not an end but a beginning. Together, we can build a Fire Island community where every person, regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation, feels truly at home.
Your involvement can make a difference. Let's turn a symbol of progress into lasting and meaningful change.
Your donations help us turn symbols into actions, and intentions into reality.
