The Castro is set to get a new Pride flag mural just in time for Pride Month.
The mural will be painted on the street at Jane Warner Plaza, where the Muni F-Line streetcar train turns around before heading back downtown.
80-year-old Castro resident and artist Harry Breaux has spearheaded the art project since last year.
Breaux's initial vision was to paint Gilbert Baker's 6-striped Rainbow Flag, but the project has since evolved into painting a version of the Progress Pride Flag.
The mural will be painted on the street at Jane Warner Plaza. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
The Intersex-inclusive Progress Pride Flag was created by Valentino Vecchietti in 2021 — incorporating Baker's Rainbow Flag, Daniel Quasar's Progress Pride Flag, and the Intersex flag created by Morgan Carpenter.
Painting will begin on Monday, June 2 at 10 a.m. at Jane Warner Plaza. The painting will be completed in stages over six days, taking place on June 2-4 and June 9-11.
Breaux tells Hoodline the first week will include the triangle and the beginning of the large stripes. The stripes will be completed during the second week.
Rendering of the Intersex-inclusive Progress Pride Flag mural. | Image courtesy of Harry Breaux
The yellow stripe will incorporate the yellow brick road painted last May by Breaux and Michael Petrelis, a Mission District resident and activist, and his partner, Michael Merrigan.
"Everyone is invited to come by whenever possible and push a roller around so you can say you’ve helped add this to the project," said Breaux.
Breaux estimates the entire project will cost approximately $2,880, which includes all paint, supplies, and permits required by SF Public Works. Through a partnership with the Castro CBD, Breaux was able to fundraise $3,861.
Michael Petrelis (center) and Harry Breaux (right) after painting the Yellow Brick Road. | Photo: Michael Petrelis
"Harry had a vision to help make the Jane Warner Plaza welcoming to the thousands of tourists who visit the Castro every year," said Castro CBD executive director Andrea Aiello. "He strove to find an image representing the full diversity of the LGBTQ++ community, and after much research, selected the Intersex Progress Pride Flag, a symbol of true inclusivity."
"This mural will show the world that the Castro continues to lead the way in LGBTQ++ pride," added Aiello. "And at a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion are under attack, the Castro stands loud and proud for inclusion and acceptance, and it is a place where all can truly be their authentic selves."
Breaux invites anyone interested in the art project to watch it evolve on the SF Bay Times' Castro Cam (Camera #4).
Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
The project is supported by the Castro Merchants, Castro/Upper Market Community Benefits District, Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association, Castro LGBTQ Cultural District, and SF Department of Public Works.
Thinking about the importance of installing this symbol during Pride Month, Breaux said, "As a more restrictive and prejudiced attitude evolved from Washington as regards the variety we have in our country’s population, it became an obsession of mine to paint this symbol of inclusion of all peoples where it could be seen by many. I hope that young LGBTQIA+ individuals all over the world will see this and know that this is sacred ground that offers, hopefully forever, the same freedom that it gave to me when I first came here in the early 1970s."
"My dream is that these few blocks will always stand for the rights for everyone to live their authentic life," Breaux added.
