![symbols of the original gay pride flag symbols of the original gay pride flag](https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/1223375632/0x0.jpg)
And as of this month, the original Pride flag has been returned to San Francisco. Artist Gilbert Baker, an openly gay man and a drag queen, concieved the first rainbow flag for the San Francisco Gay Freedom Celebration. Alireza was only 20 years old.ĭespite the state of LGBTQ rights globally, we’re still lightyears ahead of where we were in 1978 when the Pride flag was created. And just this past month, Alireza Monfared, a gay man from Iran, was allegedly killed by family members, just days before leaving Iran to seek asylum. Sarah died by suicide while in asylum in Canada. Sarah Hegazi, a 30-year old queer activist, was arrested, tortured and sexually assaulted for raising the Pride flag while at a concert in Egypt in 2017. In 73 countries, for example, homosexuality is still considered a crime, in some places punishable by death. could play in this global human rights campaign. The Trump Administration’s response made many people wonder whether those leaders understood how much work is needed to ensure that LGBTQ people around the world are allowed to live with dignity and respect for who they truly are–and what role the U.S. 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. 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.
![symbols of the original gay pride flag symbols of the original gay pride flag](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gilbert-baker-pride-flag-1592235977.jpg)
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.
![symbols of the original gay pride flag symbols of the original gay pride flag](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gettyimages-1158967713.jpg)
Now, our LGBTQ visibility has reached a new sphere of influence - the flagpoles of U.S.
![symbols of the original gay pride flag symbols of the original gay pride flag](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1212949219-21ba.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.