From a Pal of the Pink Triangle

Later tonight, San Francisco’s Pink Triangle is gonna shine.

Pink Triangle Silver Jubilee Trivia Alert! For the first time in its 25-year history, and on account of the many restrictions and cancellations brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, and in true the-show-must-go fashion, the annual tradition has gotten a special makeover and its showcase has been extended well after Pride. Indeed, this year, the acre-sized Pink Triangle will be illuminated, by Illuminate, the same nonprofit group that once upon a time made lights twinkle and dance on the Bay Bridge, with the installation scheduled to come down on July 10. (Give what you can when you can!)

Alongside a friend, and Patrick Carney (one of the co-founders of the public-art display and the founder of its commemoration ceremonies) and other volunteers (who have participated in this community initiative a few, 15, 23 years), a couple of days ago I helped to roll and stake a couple of pink sailcloth vectors down a hillside on Twin Peaks (I felt like Christo), the sun on our backs and Karl the Fog all up and around us, to form that beloved, iconic V you know and anticipate every end of June.

You are so welcome. Thank y’all.

Thank all who bled and led.

So yeah, starting tonight, within that V will shine 2,700 LED nodes set to pink light, to serve as a reminder (and warning) of the historical, criminal, deadly oppression the queer community has endured and continues to endure here, there, everywhere, as well as a symbol of our resilience, our power and pride. Enjoy it. Reflect on it.

And remember: You’re free. To do what you want to do. You know it: 🎧➡️Pride MMXX.

Happy Pride, everybody!

One 🌎, one ❤️.