Berkeley Lab

Understanding the Past and Present: Pride Flag and Banner

The Pride banner at the Lab has a long history, going back to 1999 and the start of the Lambda Alliance at the Lab. Several times the banner was removed by unknown persons, but when that happened, Lab leadership stepped up.

Lambda Alliance first formed in October 2013 as an employee resource group (ERG) to enhance the work environment at the Lab for Sexual-orientation and Gender Minority (SGM) employees. This ERG continues to promote an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, enhance policies of non-discrimination, create guidance for institutional processes, identify and address emerging issues or challenges, increase visibility and awareness, and recognize achievements impacting our SGM community.

However, the raising of the rainbow-colored Pride banner in celebration of Pride Month started as early as 1999 by the LGBTQ employee association.

Read about the history of the banner and why it is different this year.