Pride Flag for Bozeman

We invite you to join us in showing your support for the City of Bozeman, Montana, to adopt the Progress Pride Flag and variations as an official flag of the city.

This action, like that taken by Missoula, MT, circumvents the recently-passed state law that bans the flying of Pride flags at schools or governmental buildings. Missoula’s action already allows any school or municipality in Montana to fly the Pride flag as it is the official city flag of Missoula. By asking Bozeman to take the same step, we are asking our city government to not only fly the Pride flag again, but to show they are willing to stand up to laws that seek to marginalize and erase 2SLGBTQIA+ people in this state.

This action is largely symbolic. The flag is a symbol. It does not guarantee equal rights and protection. But it does signify a willingness to step up when a minority group is threatened. It shows an intolerance for hate. It shows Queer and Trans youth that they are valued members of our community. It shows us that we all belong in Bozeman.

HOW YOU CAN SHOW UP

We believe that City Commissioners want to fly the Pride Flag once again, but are considering how best to do so. A strong showing of support from their constituents will help them decide.

Here’s how you can show your support:

  • Show up at the City Commission meeting to make public comment on June 17. The meeting starts at 6pm and public comment typically occurs in the first hour. We’ll meet as a group at Soroptomist Park at 5:30, walk to City Hall at 5:50 for the meeting start. During the meeting please be respectful and listen to direction. We’ll all go get ice cream after to decompress.

  • Write a letter to the City Commission expressing your support for adopting the Pride Progress flag and variations as an official flag of the City of Bozeman, MT. Letters can be submitted via the City’s webpage here, by emailing comments@bozeman.net, or mailing to Attn: City Commission, PO Box 1230, Bozeman, MT 59771. Make sure to submit your comment before NOON on June 17, 2025.

  • Spread the word! Share this website, share the social posts from @queerbzn or post your own (download images here). Print out this poster and spread it around town!

On Making Public Comment

  • Talking points to consider:

    • The Pride flag is a flag of historical significance. You can learn more about the Progress Pride flag here.

    • The law is confusing: It prohibits flags or banners regarding a political party, race, sexual orientation, gender, or political ideology, while carving out exceptions for certain flags, including the Gadsden Flag — a flag of historic significance with meaning that has shifted over time.

    • Share what seeing the Pride flag means to you. What does it mean to the kids and young people in your life?

    • The Belonging in Bozeman Plan aims to ensure that all residents, visitors, and City of Bozeman employees can thrive regardless of their race, identity, or life circumstance. How does adopting the Pride Flag as an official city flag align with the values and goals the City has set for itself?

    • Banning the Pride flag is not a politically neutral move, as the law’s supporters in this state and the supporters of similar laws in Utah and Idaho claim.