Cathedral City Raises Pride Flag to Kick Off LGBTQ+ Pride Month

As Pride Month gets underway nationwide, Cathedral City is already celebrating in full color. The city kicked things off by raising the Pride flag at City Hall—symbolizing its ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community.

City officials say the flag is more than a symbol of celebration; it's a message of year-round inclusion and respect for all residents and visitors.

“The Pride flag for us serves as a symbol of the honoring and support that we have for everyone in Cathedral City,” a city representative said during the ceremony.

Among those attending was Jeffrey Ewell, better known by his drag name, Ethylina Canne. Ewell, who regularly performs to raise money for local charities, says Cathedral City’s commitment to equality is something to be proud of.

“It makes me really proud to be here,” Ewell said. “The Human Rights Campaign has given this city a perfect score of 100%. We all can coexist and we’re all equal—so it’s very important.”

Throughout June, money raised from events like Ethel’s Place Bingo—held at The Roost Lounge—will benefit local nonprofits including the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert in Palm Springs.

Jeff McDonald, owner of Roost Lounge just a block from City Hall, says Pride Month brings people together in powerful ways.

“We’re going to celebrate Pride all month long to be united and bring people together,” McDonald said. “It’s a great place to have conversations and bring families together.”

Cathedral City has long been a leader in LGBTQ+ rights. The city dedicated its rainbow crosswalk to former Mayor Gregory S. Pettis, the first openly gay elected official in Riverside County.

City officials say they remain committed to continuing that legacy—supporting both the community’s history and its future.

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