Pride Flag for Bozeman

After flying the Pride flag above City Hall since 2021, a new state law forced Bozeman to take it down in May 2025. Queer Bozeman, our community, and allies are asking our City Commission to adopt the Pride flag an official symbol of Bozeman so that the flag can fly once again, legally, and affirm that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community belongs in this city despite efforts to silence and erase us.

We showed up at City Hall on July 8 to ask the City Commission to fly the flag again. The City can do so —legally— by adopting the Pride flag as an official emblem of the city or by recognizing the flag as historic flag.

Commissioners will discuss the Pride Flag at their Tuesday July 15 meeting. Join us there! RSVP to stay in the loop.

We want to show visible, overwhelming support for adopting the Pride flag as an official emblem of the City of Bozeman. We also want to show support for the commissioners who are standing up for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in Bozeman.

The Pride flag would not replace the current city flag, or the U.S. flag. Adopting the Pride flag as an official city emblem navigates the newly passed state law, legally. and the commissioners who are standing up for LGBTQ+ inclusion in our city.

HERE’S HOW WE’LL SHOW UP

1) Write a comment expressing your support for adopting the Pride flag as a symbol of Bozeman. We want the bulk of our comments to be written ahead of the July 15 meeting.

Written Comments need to be submitted  by Noon, July 15th
 Email to: comments@bozeman.net; BCC hello@queerbozeman.com
 Subject line suggestion: “Public Comment – Pride Flag”

Tone and Approach:

  • Make it personal: Your story is powerful and makes the issue real.

  • Don’t Villainize the City: Commissioners have an opportunity to step up for community members that they represent who are currently targeted by anti-LGBTQIA+ laws, politics, and speech. Invite them in to support us.

Outline of an Example Letter:

1. Introduction

  • Name

  • Where you live. Example: I’m a renter in Midtown (specifics are NOT required)

  • Your community roles. Example: student, worker, parent, artist, business owner, caretaker, etc.

  • Identities that feel important to share: Example: I am Queer. 

2. Personal Impact

  • What has it been like to live in Bozeman as a Queer person (or ally of Queer people?) 

  • What Queer visibility/the pride flag means to you.

  • How does Bozeman displaying the Pride flag affect your daily life? 

3. Broader Community Impact

  • Check out the talking points at the bottom of this page and expand on any that feel relevant and authentic to you.

  • How does displaying the Pride flag benefit others in Bozeman? 

  • What happens if Bozeman doesn’t adopt the Pride flag? 

4. Call to Action

  • End with a clear demand. Example: I urge you the city commission to approve the Pride flag as an official city flag.

2) Show up at the City Commission meeting on July 15

  • Show up early for the meeting start at 6:00 PM, City Hall (121 N Rouse Ave).

  • We are expecting people opposing the flag to show up at this meeting.

  • You can RSVP via Partiful to stay up to date and in communication with us.

  • At the July 8 meeting, we did amazing! So many people shared excellent personal stories. For this meeting we want to be succinct and strong, so we are not asking for many people to give public comment in person at the meeting. That said, if you have a powerful message that hasn’t been shared yet, please let us know at hello@queerbozeman.com.

3) Tell your friends, family, and network in Bozeman to write comment and/or show up! Share this webpage and posts on @queerbzn social accounts.

  • Talk in person or make phone calls to your network asking for them to write comment ahead of the meeting or show up on the day of for support. Here’s a script you can follow for the conversation.

  • If you are a faith leader, a business owner, or a health care professional, we do have letters that you can sign on for support. Reach out to hello@queerbozeman.com.

  • Allies, we need you! Please show up and submit you comments!

Talking Points

Visibility Creates Safety

  • The Pride flag isn’t just a symbol — it’s a lifeline. It signals to LGBTQ+ residents, visitors, and youth: “You belong here. You are seen. You are safe.”

  • For those who feel invisible, unsafe, or on the margins, the flag is a simple but powerful beacon of affirmation.

  • Especially for LGBTQ+ youth and elders, seeing the flag on public property can counter feelings of isolation.

Belonging Is a Public Value

  • Belonging is not just personal — it’s civic. Cities have a role in affirming the dignity of all residents.

  • When we raise the Pride flag, we’re raising the standard for what kind of community we want to be: one that includes everyone, not just the majority.

Inclusion Requires Visibility

  • Inclusion isn’t passive — it requires action and visibility.

  • You can’t say “everyone belongs” while hiding the identities of LGBTQ+ people behind calls for “neutrality.”

  • The Pride flag doesn’t exclude anyone. It expands the circle of who is reflected in civic life.

Belonging Supports Public Health and Wellbeing

  • Research shows that inclusive environments reduce suicide rates, improve mental health, and increase civic participation for LGBTQ+ people.

  • Symbolic affirmation like a flag works hand-in-hand with policies and programs to create a truly supportive environment.