By Patrick Carney–
The Pink Triangle has been installed atop Twin Peaks in San Francisco for each Pride since 1996 as a visible, yet mute, reminder of inhumanity. It is almost 200 feet across, nearly an acre in size, and can be seen for 20 miles.
But why is it still necessary? It is an educational tool and a warning for all to see.
Each year while planning takes place for the giant display and ceremony, it is important to remember why the Pink Triangle must return to the top of Twin Peaks. Just like clockwork, clear reminders pop up in the news time and time again. This month, for example, a 20-year-old Iranian man named Alireza Fazeli Monfared was beheaded by his brother and cousins as an “honor killing” because he was gay. (Thank goodness my Iranian husband was able to get out.) Plus, there are the reports of transgender people being assaulted in increasing numbers, and Trans youth are under attack in numerous states under the guise of protecting sports.
The Twin Peaks event not only recalls how the pink triangle was originally used to persecute LGBTQs, but also acknowledges other minority groups that are currently targets of hatred and assaults, such as the Asian American Pacific Islander community (AAPI), which has seen an increase in discrimination and attacks since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. And, of course, we recall the injustice that led to the death of George Floyd and others in the past year.
We must not forget that all communities include LGBTQ people within their groups, so those persons face a possible double-dose of discrimination and sometimes violence. Using our LGBTQ community members as scapegoats to distract from real issues continues unabated. We face ongoing oppression in many places as well as attempts to legislate away many aspects our hard-fought equality.
The Pink Triangle is one of history’s reminders of hate and brutality, and part of appreciating where we are for any Pride Month is understanding what we have been through. That is why the Pink Triangle will be on Twin Peaks for the 26th time, to educate others about the hatred of the past to help prevent it from happening again. It is through the giant display that we hope to educate others of the lessons of the Pink Triangle; one lesson being: what can happen when hatred and bigotry are allowed to become law.
The test of any democracy is how well it treats its minorities. The Third Reich demonstrated how easily a government can devise minority scapegoats. Branding homosexuals as criminals let most Germans feel comfortable looking the other way while the Nazis went about their persecution.
The 2021 Pink Triangle will be on Twin Peaks for all of Pride Month in its longest run yet. It will again be lit up by ILLUMINATE, the masterminds behind the Bay Lights (illumination of the SF-Oakland Bay Bridge). Thank you to the nonprofit Illuminate and its founder & chief visionary officer Ben Davis. The illumination will feature 2,700 bright pink LED nodes. The mesmerizing Pink Triangle will serve as an uplifting and enduring symbol of San Francisco’s resilience and as a reminder of one of history’s darkest chapters.
The lighting ceremony on Tuesday, June 1, will be preceded by a Pink Torch Procession that will start at Oakland City Hall (with Mayor Libby Schaaf), travel across the Bay Bridge, wind through parts of San Francisco, and then culminate when the Pink Torch will be used at the ceremony as San Francisco Mayor Breed pushes the “pink illumination button” at 9 pm atop Twin Peaks.
Cities all over the world celebrate Pride by flying thousands of rainbow flags and other colorful decor, but San Francisco is the only city in the world with a giant Pink Triangle hovering over the city. It is all about remembering our past. Part of celebrating any Pride Month is recalling where we have been and then building for a more equitable and inclusive future.
Be a part of history by helping to illuminate the 26th annual Pink Triangle atop Twin Peaks so it will shine during all of Pride Month.
You Can Help!
Saturday, May 29, Noon to 3 pm
Setup of the Pink Outline
Social-distancing rules will apply, and face masks will be a must.
https://signup.com/go/YyCALyL
May 30–July 1
Site Prep and Site Monitors
We will need help monitoring the site for a month and have shifts to choose from. https://signup.com/go/YyCALyL
Tuesday, June 1, 8 pm
Lighting Ceremony
Mayor London Breed and other widely-spaced dignitaries in masks will attend. Help set up the ceremony from 6 pm–7:30 pm
https://signup.com/go/YyCALyL
Thursday, July 1, Noon
Take-Down of the Pink Outline
Social-distancing will apply, and face masks will be a must. Even an hour of help will be a big help.
https://signup.com/go/YyCALyL
Widely sharethe project information and charity link. It truly takes a village. https://tinyurl.com/98urm4pt
For more information on the quarter-century project, including contact information, directions, and history of the pink triangle, go to www.thepinktriangle.com
Questions?
Contact me, Patrick Carney, at 415-726-4914 or via email at pat724car@gmail.com
Patrick Carney is the Founder of The Friends of the Pink Triangle. The group, with the help of many dedicated volunteers, constructs a gigantic pink triangle on Twin Peaks each year during the last weekend in June. Carney, who worked on the restoration of San Francisco City Hall, was appointed to the City Hall Preservation Advisory Commission in 2013.
Published on May 20, 2021
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