The August 2024 gathering of Flagging in the Park was a vibrant celebration of life, art, and community held in the National AIDS Memorial Grove. Under the warm San Francisco sun (a rarity in August!), more than 200 people gathered to share in the beauty of flow arts — specifically, the art of flagging — which originated as a way to express freedom during the height of the AIDS crisis. This was the second time Queer LifeSpace was selected as a beneficiary, and it was a tremendous success. With the support of the Flagging in the Park community, the event raised $2,938 in donations, all of which will directly fund our mental health programs for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

A Kaleidoscope of Color and Movement

Imagine a sea of rainbow-colored flags fluttering in the breeze, set against the lush green backdrop of the AIDS Memorial Grove. People of all ages came dressed in bright, whimsical outfits, with many wearing playful festival gear. Photographs from the event perfectly capture the essence of the day—vivid, hot, and unapologetically gay. The park itself was bathed in sunlight, and the sheer number of colors from the flags, outfits, and decorations made it feel like a living kaleidoscope.

DJs played music throughout the day, energizing the crowd and keeping the vibe upbeat and fun. Flow artists and flaggers performed intricate routines, twirling flags and fans in synchronized movements that mesmerized onlookers. The sense of community was palpable as attendees connected, shared stories, and danced freely, celebrating their shared history and resilience. It was a reminder of the importance of queer joy, solidarity, and visibility.

Made possible by people like you…

At Queer LifeSpace, we are deeply grateful to have been the 2024 beneficiary of Flagging in the Park. The generosity of the community was overwhelming, and the donations we received—$2,938 in total—will go a long way in supporting our work. For every $30 donated, we are able to offer ONE free session to a low-income LGBTQIA+ youth or adult in California. These funds will help provide affordable and accessible mental health services to LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those who face barriers to receiving care. Our programs focus on holistic support, recognizing that queer individuals face unique challenges when it comes to mental health, and we are proud to continue serving this community with the support of donations like those raised at this event.

The energy of Flagging in the Park was a perfect reflection of what we strive to cultivate at Queer LifeSpace—a safe, affirming space where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive, heal, and celebrate their identities. This event has allowed us to further our mission of providing comprehensive mental health care to those in need, especially those impacted by discrimination, trauma, and social marginalization.

“I’m coming out, I want the world to know!”

Flagging in the Park 2024 was more than just an event—it was a powerful reminder of the strength, love, and resilience that exists within the LGBTQ+ community. With the generous donations we received, Queer LifeSpace will continue to expand our services and reach even more individuals in need of support. We are so thankful to everyone who attended, donated, and made the day unforgettable.

We look forward to participating again next year and continuing to be a part of such an inspiring and supportive community event. Together, we can continue to raise awareness and provide the vital services that help queer individuals not only survive but thrive.

Please consider making a recurring tax-deductible donation to Queer LifeSpace to continuously support our small yet mighty organization.