In a move that stunned the queer community across the country, Pride and transgender flags in West Hollywood and Fire Island were lowered to half-staff this weekend following the death of far-right activist Charlie Kirk. The action came after a September 10 proclamation from President Donald Trump ordering all U.S. flags on public grounds to be flown at half-staff until September 14. While some states, including New York and New Jersey, did not fully comply, flags in historic queer neighborhoods did, which has sparked outrage.
In West Hollywood’s Matthew Shepard Square, both the trans and Progress Pride flags were lowered. According to WeHo Times, someone posted a sign there reading: “Shame on West Hollywood for lowering our flags in honor of a racist, transphobic, homophobic, Nazi-loving monster.”
City officials acknowledged community anger, but said they acted in accordance with Trump’s order and local policy. The statement read, “The City’s action should not be interpreted as an expression of alignment with, or endorsement of, Mr. Kirk’s political views,” adding that the City Council will review its flag policies going forward.
Meanwhile, in Cherry Grove on Fire Island, the Black and Brown Equity Coalition condemned the lowering of Pride flags at the dock. The group shared on Instagram, “Don’t make our joy honor our oppressor,” citing Kirk’s history of calling queer people “a middle finger to God” and advocating violence against queer people.
Even within the ‘Gayest Place On Earth’, Wilton Manors, the rainbow pride and transgender pride flags flown at City Hall were at half mast.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed last week in Utah. Known for his anti-LBGTQ rhetoric, he once demanded doctors providing gender-affirming care face “Nuremberg-style trials.” For many, the half-staff flags felt like salt in an open wound.
