The Castro in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Rainbow Flag
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, November 20, 2021
1. The Rainbow Flag Marker
On November 8, 1997, this Rainbow Flag was installed to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the election of Harvey Milk to the Board of Supervisors of voters of District 5. This victory by an openly gay man was a watershed for the Queer rights movement. Since then, open lesbians and gay men have been elected to many levels of government in the United States. After Milk's election on November 8, 1977, the following members of San Francisco's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community have been elected or appointed to office:
Carol Migden California State Assembly
Susan Leal Treasurer, City and County of San Francisco
Harry Britt Supervisor, City and County of San Francisco
Roberta Achtenberg Supervisor, City and County of San Francisco
Tom Ammiano Supervisor, City and County of San Francisco
Leslie Katz Supervisor, City and County of San Francisco
Angie Fa Member, Board of Education
Dr. Juanita Owens Member, Board of Education
Dr. Timothy Wolfred Trustee, Community College Board
Lawrence Wong Trustee, Community College Board
Andrew Shorter Trustee, Community College Board
Hon. Donna Hitches Superior Court Judge
Hon. Kevin McCarthy Superior Court Judge
Hon. Herb Donaldson Municipal Court Judge
Hon. Mary Morgan Municipal Court
this page online
Hon. Kay Tsenin Municipal Court Judge
Tom Radulovich Director, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)
The Rainbow Flag, created by Gilbert Baker, which reflects the diversity of the community, and is a internationally recognized symbol representing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered people throughout the world.
Dedicated by Mayor Willie Brown, Jr.; Assemblywoman Carole Migden; The San Francisco Department of Public Works, Mark Primeau, Director; The Harvey Milk Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Democratic Club, Jeff Sheehy, President.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Vexillology series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 8, 1997.
Location. 37° 45.739′ N, 122° 26.138′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in The Castro. It can be reached from the intersection of Market Street and Castro Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Francisco CA 94114, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on California’s Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Harvey Milk (here, next to this marker); Castro Street Historical Timeline (within shouting distance of this marker); Pink Triangle Park and Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Virginia Woolf
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 12, 2009
2. The Rainbow Flag - as seen from Harvey Milk Plaza
More about this marker. The marker is attached to the base of the flagpole. The flagpole is is located on the upper level of Harvey Milk Plaza, and the flag, being quite large, is visible from a distance and is easy to find.
Also see . . .
1. The Rainbow Flag. Wikipedia entry:
A discussion of the uses over time of rainbow flags by various peace, cooperative, religious, and gay rights movements or groups. Includes a gallery of rainbow flags. (Submitted on July 25, 2009.)
2. Rainbow flag (LGBT Movement). Wikipedia entry:
: A discussion of the Rainbow Flag as a symbol of the Gay pride/rights movement. Includes a history of its design and use. (Submitted on July 25, 2009.)
3. History of the Gay Pride / Rainbow Flag. Flags of the World entry:
A discussion of the history of the Gay Pride/Rainbow Flag, including an examination of some of the variations
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 12, 2009
3. The Rainbow Flag - as seen from across Market Street
Credits. This page was last revised on April 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,996 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 21, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 2, 3. submitted on July 25, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
