A pride flag attached to a balloon boldly went where none had gone before as it reached the stratosphere, serving as a symbol of universal acceptance, according to Planting Peace, the non-profit organization that launched it.
The high-altitude balloon, with a GoPro camera attached, was launched outside of Milwaukee on Aug. 17. A YouTube video uploaded on Monday captures the entire mission.
The rainbow-colored flag reached a peak altitude of 21.1 miles above the earth’s surface and was airborne for just over three hours.
“It was an honor to send the first Pride flag into space, and it provided a wonderful opportunity to show that Planting Peace will not stop fighting for LGBTQ rights until all sexual and gender minorities experience full, fundamental rights in every corner of the universe,” Aaron Jackson, president of Planting Peace, told The Huffington Post. “The backdrop of space gave us a stunning, inspiring and peaceful canvas for our message of hope to our LGBTQ family. I would love for LGBTQ children who are struggling to see this, and look up to the stars and remember that the universe shines brightly for them, and they are not alone.”
While the balloon and flag technically reached “near space,” Planting Peace’s effort certainly made a statement from on high. The group said that “declaring space as LGBTQ friendly” reinforces its universal message to the LGBTQ family:
- You are loved, valued and beautiful.
- There is nothing wrong with you.
- You are not alone and we will stand with you.
