The Mile High Pride Flag is handwoven and was constructed for the Queer City of the Plains exhibition in 2020 (curated by Brendan Picker). It is made using sequins, paracord, clothing from community members, Colorado-grown fibers, and upcycled yarn. The flag’s design draws from Gilbert Baker’s original 1978 Pride flag and Daniel Quasar’s 2018 Progress Pride Flag. It is also scaled to reference Baker’s first flag, which was produced in large, hand-dyed strips and sewn together by community volunteers before flying over the Castro until it frayed and shredded. The Mile High Pride Flag’s fringe and overall scale echo that history.

Its golden-yellow center points to Denver’s city flag, designed by Margaret Overbeck in 1926, which integrates elements from U.S., Colorado, and First Nation iconography. The flag’s fringed and sparkly textures also pay tribute to Denver’s original diva, Molly Brown, referencing her opera cloak held at the History Colorado Center. These materials, colors, and design elements are woven together in a familiar yet contemporary form that serves as a metaphor for the broad range of people who have come together to make Denver one of the queer hubs of the West.