The FlagSSS Day Collective (Elizabeth (EP) Press, Angela Beallor, Hana van der Kolk, and other contributors) formed in 2019 after national Flag Day ceased celebration in Troy, NY. Flag Day originated in the 1960s as a patriotic and anti-dissent holiday, reacting against the anti-Vietnam War protests at the time. We recognize that many in Troy enjoyed the parade and for some it didn't necessarily connect to that history. However, this kind of war mongering propaganda and action left a traumatic residue. The FlagSSS Day Collective seeks to engage our city in celebrations of multiplicity against this history. With respect to long traditions of intertwining celebration and challenge, protest with party, dissent with a dedication to joy, the Collective is nimble, flexible, and ever-changing. We organize a procession in honor of the crow population of Troy every December, a FlagSSS Day procession every year in June, community flag-making workshops, and other rituals and gatherings on occasion. We also entwine with others’ events and spaces such as The Quiet Parade, The Earthling Parade, Lesbian Lives Conference 2025, and Collar Works.

More at https://flagsssday.org

Follow us on Instagram @flagsssday.troyny.

Check out the interview with Angela Beallor and Hana van der Kolk about the first ever FlagSSS Day in 2019: https://archive.org/details/media-sanctuary-troys-1st-ever-flagsss-day