The Trump-era policy banning Pride flags from embassy flagpoles was explained in 2019 by then-Vice President Mike Pence, who said in an interview that, “when it comes to the American flagpole and American embassies and capitals around the world, one American flag flies.” Then-Secretary Mike Pompeo agreed, enforcing policies that embassies could display Pride symbols elsewhere with the embassies. underscores the values we’ve always held dear when we publicly display our support for the LGBTQ community.
![the gay men flag the gay men flag](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/22881893/20190401/114429/styles/raw/public/processed_images/gettyimages-478662308-1554133425-8307.jpg)
In fact, visibility and representation are cornerstones of democracy, and the U.S. is a beacon for democracy, which is a word that comes from Greek origins meaning “ power to the people ,” what does it mean when power is distributed inequitably and these inequities aren’t acknowledged within a “democracy”? Can democracy truly thrive? Being seen, heard, and valued is crucial (hello face glitter and peacock eyeshadow!), not just for our own wellbeing as a marginalized community, but for the sake of democracy. The move is wholly consistent with what Secretary Blinked articulated in his Senate confirmation, “I think the United States playing the role that it should be playing in standing up for and defending the rights of LGBTQI people is something that the department is going to take on and take on immediately.”Īlthough the U.S. and many countries around the world is Pride month. embassies to display the Pride flag at diplomatic outposts through the month of June, which for the U.S. This special reversal and new authorization, Secretary Blinked explained, now allows U.S. On May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced alongside other Biden Administration officials a plan to overturn a Trump-era policy, which banned the Pride flag from being flown next to the U.S. Now, our LGBTQ visibility has reached a new sphere of influence - the flagpoles of U.S.
![the gay men flag the gay men flag](https://i.etsystatic.com/18488149/r/il/06c025/2314075390/il_1588xN.2314075390_onll.jpg)
Knowing this, we celebrate so much visible encouragement, because visibility is important. In other areas of the world, LGBTQ identities are still shunned, classified as mental disorders, and illegal. This month - Pride Month – you’ve probably seen rainbows plastered on buildings, apparel, face masks, parades, and company logos as everyone vies to put their support of the LGBTQ+ community on display.