In 2010, the organization that runs the Space Needle made history during Gay Pride month when they raised the Pride flag for the first time.

But late last week, a Space Needle executive announced they will not raise the flag again this year.

And now Seattle residents are spreading this surprising news to their friends, family, and neighbors.

Josh Castle, a lifelong Seattle resident, was inspired to start a petition on Change.org when he found out. In just a few days, nearly 5,000 Seattle residents have signed it. Click here to add your name to Josh’s petition — and tell Space Needle CEO Ron Sevart to raise the Pride flag this year — just like last year.

The Space Needle is a private corporation which has a strong and positive friendship with the LGBT community, so their decision not to raise the flag again is odd, to say the least. For example, last year, Space Needle CEO Ron Sevart told Seattle Gay News:

“It’s a big deal for some of our team members. Such a big deal that when we told some of them, it was very emotional. We’re as diverse inside the Space Needle as what is outside the Space Needle. The Pride event takes place on the Seattle Center campus. I think that being able to look up at the Space Needle and see that flag up there — I think it’s going to be a very proud moment for a lot of people.”

Stuart Wilber has been in a relationship with his partner Jon for 34 years. As Stuart told Joe Mirabella, Change.org’s Organizing Manager on LGBT Rights:

“I signed and have been promoting the petition because seeing the flag flying over the Space Needle last year was an affirmation of the inclusiveness I have felt since we moved to Seattle 17 years ago. It was a symbol of respect on top of the most iconic symbol of Seattle. If you see a photo of the Eiffel Tower you think Paris; the Space Needle, Seattle; I finally felt I was home.”

Stuart is right. Please sign Josh Castle’s petition encouraging Space Needle executives to fly the Pride flag this year:

http://www.change.org/petitions/space-needle-please-raise-the-pride-flag-for-seattle-pride-weekend

Thanks for taking action.

– Eden and the Change.org team