As Pride Month unfolds, cities and states across the United States are making bold declarations of support for the LGBTQ+ community—flying Pride flags from government buildings and illuminating landmarks with rainbow colours in open defiance of the federal administration’s increasing hostility toward queer representation.
Despite nationwide efforts by Republican lawmakers to ban Pride symbols from public spaces, local leaders are pushing back with powerful public gestures of inclusion.
Pride Over Politics
In a historic first, Hawaii raised the Pride flag over its state capitol this week. At the flag-raising ceremony, Governor Josh Green (D) spoke to the state’s values:
“Flying the Pride flag at our state Capitol is a proud reflection of aloha, as well as our deep commitment to inclusion,” said Green. “While other places are pushing people to the margins, Hawaii is leading with compassion and courage.”
His statement was a direct contrast to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R), who once again blocked the rainbow illumination of Jacksonville’s Acosta Bridge. Instead, residents organised their own community display, casting the bridge in Pride colours.
State-Level Support
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) ordered state buildings and landmarks to fly the LGBTQ+ Progress Pride flag.
“New York is the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement,” she said. “Now more than ever, we are fighting to protect LGBTQ+ rights and protections.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) also joined in, authorising the Pride flag to be flown above the state capitol for the first time, with the California National Guard participating in the ceremony.
“By flying the Pride flag over the State Capitol, we send a clear message that California is welcoming and inclusive to all,” Newsom said.
Red States Show Their Colours
Even in conservative strongholds, Pride is visible. In Missoula, Montana, the city council declared the Pride flag as the city’s only official standard. Utah’s Salt Lake City kicked off Pride Week with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall despite state-level efforts to suppress the symbol.
In Ohio, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval (D) addressed a cheering crowd:
“Cincy Pride is one of those times when the Queen City gets to really show off who we are.”
Wisconsin’s capital, Madison, and Dane County also held a flag-raising ceremony.
“It matters that we communicate to all… that here we respect people’s rights,” said Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway (D).
From Small Towns to Major Cities
Meriden, Connecticut, declared June Pride Month permanently and committed to flying the Pride flag at a local cultural centre “until we don’t need it anymore.” State officials held a flag-raising in Hartford, where State Treasurer Erick Russell said:
“This is a signal… that there are people who are here for you, who have your back.”
In Michigan, Muskegon’s city council voted unanimously to fly both the Pride and Juneteenth flags. Commissioner Willie German said the flag is a stand for history amid attempts to erase it.
In Texas, Dallas will alternate between the Pride and Juneteenth flags throughout the month. Councilmember Omar Narvaez declared:
“Regardless of who you are, who you love… we want you here in our city.”
Montgomery County, Maryland, raised the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag at Veterans Memorial Plaza, arriving in a bus wrapped in the same flag design.
In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) led a flag-raising ceremony in Daley Plaza, delivering a pointed message:
“Whether you threaten us with resources or anything else, we will not allow our liberties to be captured by tyranny.”
