On June 26, 2015, Richard Parsakian was at his vintage clothing store in Pittsburgh’s Shadyside neighborhood when he learned that the Supreme Court’s decision in the Obergefell v. Hodges marriage equality case was about to be handed down.
With news of the ruling imminent, a rally was quickly organized by LGBTQ+ rights group the Delta Foundation and the 5801 Video Lounge & Bar, where hundreds began gathering in anticipation of an announcement.
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“We had the sense and the camaraderie that we were working on the ‘cutting edge’ of a new social movement.”
Parsakian, a costume designer, installation artist, and photographer, is the creator of the historic Pittsburgh Pride Flag, which measures a whopping 60′ x 30′ and was hung over several early Pittsburgh Pride marches at an intersection near his store.
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“Since the event was a block from my store next to one of our city’s queer bars, I wanted to make sure the flag was present to absorb the moment and celebrate with friends,” Parsakian tells LGBTQ Nation. “We all joined to hold it as the announcement was read over speakers.”
As the crowd celebrated the ruling that made marriage equality the law of the land, Parsakian pulled out his camera and started taking pictures. One photo stood out for illustrating the spirit behind the decision.
“Relationships are built on love,” in Parsakian’s words, “not by their genders.”
The photo of two gay dads with their son went viral, an emblem of diversity, equity, and inclusion on a historic day for the LGBTQ+ community.
“It tells us that there is no one definition of family, but it can be defined through love. The arms of the child embracing his two dads speaks volumes,” Parsakian says.
Now in his 70s, the artist and activist believes it’s more important than ever to be out in “divisive times.” He wants to be “a bridge to discuss our differences” and share a lifetime of activism with young people.
From his perch a block away from the site of that marriage equality celebration, he’s doing just that. His vintage clothing store, Eons Fashion Antique, has become a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to explore their gender identity and “engage in discussions that one would never talk about at a family gathering.”
As young people confront a toxic mix of politics and religion, “They need to understand what their elders have endured to bring change, despite efforts to roll those rights back and erase us,” he says.
Parsakian’s photo and his commitment to art and its capacity to inspire are just one powerful example.
Pride in Pictures is LGBTQ Nation’s annual series celebrating Pride across the country. We asked our readers to send in their pictures and stories of Pride and we got so many rainbows. Keep an eye out for more heartwarming stories to get you ready for Pride Month 2025.
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