Steps to Liberation: IDAHOBIT 2026 "The Heart of Democracy" (LA + Virtual)

• This event will be livestreamed globally.
• Register for a virtual ticket to join from anywhere in the world.

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IDAHOBIT 2026

On International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2026 (), the community will gather at for Steps to Liberation — the dedication of the Rainbow Steps, a permanent public arts installation created by Lynn Segerblom, "Mother of the Rainbow Flag," co-creator of the original rainbow flag in 1978.

Whether you join us in person or through the global livestream, we invite you to witness this moment together and affirm that the steps toward liberation continue in every community.

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This event takes place under the global IDAHOBIT theme “The Heart of Democracy.”

At a moment when LGBTQ+ rights, democratic norms, and basic human dignity are being tested across the world, the Rainbow Steps stand as a visible reminder that visibility, courage, and solidarity remain essential to freedom.

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Participants will experience:

• The dedication of the Rainbow Steps, a permanent public arts installation by original rainbow flag co-creator Lynn Segerblom
• Reflections from Lynn Segerblom on the creation of the rainbow flag in 1978
• Remarks from Rev. Troy Perry, founder of Metropolitan Community Churches and organizer of the first Pride parade in Los Angeles (1970)
• Civic, faith, youth, and cultural leaders
• Musical guests and artists
• Hidden Rainbows presentation by artists and activists in Uganda and Tanzania where rainbow displays are criminalized.
• A rare exhibition of historic photographs by James McNamara, co-creator of the original rainbow flags and master seamster who helped produce them in 1978

Flag50

Together with Pride House LA/WeHo, home of the LA2028 Summer Olympics Official Venue, the event will mark the official launch of Flag50 (), a global arts, education, and advocacy initiative leading toward the 50th anniversary of the rainbow flag in 2028.

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When democracy is strained, visibility becomes an act of courage.

The rainbow flag was created in 1978 as a symbol of hope, dignity, and belonging. Nearly five decades later, that symbol continues to represent communities who refuse to disappear.

• Silence is not neutral.
• Erasure is not accidental.
• Democracy does not survive on memory alone.

As the world approaches the 50th anniversary of the rainbow flag and the 80th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Steps to Liberation asks the questions this moment demands:

• If democracy has a heart — who protects it?
• If freedom requires courage — who will step forward?
• If visibility saves lives — who will remain visible?

Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Founders MCC - Los Angeles, California (and Virtual)

This event is free and open to the public.

The program will be presented in person and livestreamed for global participation.

** Register for a virtual ticket to receive the livestream link before the event.

More information:

The Rainbow Steps are not decoration.

They are a reminder that democracy is strengthened when people refuse to disappear.

Freedom is not given all at once —it is built step by step.

Everyone is welcome to witness this moment and to walk the steps toward liberation.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Rainbow Advocacy