Our Statement Addressing Harmful Symbolism at Kalamazoo Pride 2026

OutFront Kalamazoo has heard from many community members who were hurt, distressed, or angered by the presence of Israeli flags worn by volunteers at our recent Pride Festival. For LGBTQ+ people with family, heritage, or lived experience connected to Palestine and the broader Levant region,  including Lebanon, Syria, and other communities impacted by Israeli military actions, these symbols carry deep trauma and represent ongoing violence, displacement, and loss of life. We want to acknowledge that pain clearly. We are sorry for the pain caused, and we will do better. OutFront stands firmly with Palestinians and with all people across the region who are living under bombardment, occupation, or state violence.

We also want to be clear: OutFront Kalamazoo rejects antisemitism. Jewish LGBTQ+ people are part of our community, and their safety and belonging matter. Our stance against state violence is about human rights, not about Jewish identity.

The outfits in question did not violate our  current conduct policies in a way that allowed removal from the festival. However, we recognize that its presence caused real harm for many attendees. That harm is real, and it deserves to be taken seriously.

We will begin actively reviewing our policies and procedures to better address situations where political symbolism may create an unsafe or exclusionary environment. We will review polices for employees, volunteers, events and attendees. We are committed to doing better. This includes examining how we define harmful conduct, how we train staff and volunteers to respond in real time, and how we communicate expectations. We will share updates with the community as this work moves forward.

Some attendees also shared that they felt they were being followed, watched, or harassed during the festival. We take those concerns seriously. If anyone ever feels unsafe at Pride, we want them to know they can immediately approach our paid security team or any OutFront staff member for support. As part of our policy review, we are strengthening our protocols for responding to reports of harassment or intimidation so that community members feel protected and heard in the moment.

We also want to thank our community for their patience. Our staff and volunteers have been working long days to bring Pride to life, and we appreciate the grace shown as we navigate complex and emotionally charged situations. Pride is a massive undertaking, and we are grateful for the continued trust and partnership of the people we serve.

Pride is rooted in liberation, anti‑racism, and collective care. We remain committed to building a space where all marginalized communities,  including those experiencing violence right now,  feel seen, safe, and supported. We will continue working toward a Pride that reflects our shared values of justice, solidarity, and belonging.