Hawaii and Wisconsin Raise LGBT Flag as a Bold Start to Pride Month Celebrations

To mark the beginning of Pride Month, the state of Hawaii joined Wisconsin in raising the LGBT Pride flag at a government building.

This symbolic gesture shows support for the LGBTQ+ community and continues a growing trend of states and cities recognizing Pride Month with visible public support.

In Hawaii, the rainbow-colored flag was raised outside the state Department of Health building. Governor Josh Green, who was present at the flag-raising, said the state stands with LGBTQ+ residents and wants them to feel seen, valued, and safe. He added that it’s important to show public support because it sends a clear message of inclusion and respect.

Governor Green has been an open supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. By raising the flag, he said the state is celebrating diversity and also sending a message that discrimination has no place in Hawaii.

The event was attended by LGBTQ+ activists, health officials, and community members, many of whom praised the administration’s commitment to equality.

Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, Governor Tony Evers also raised the Pride flag at the state Capitol. He has made this an annual tradition since taking office. Evers said the flag is a symbol of visibility, inclusion, and the continued fight for equal rights.

He mentioned that the LGBTQ+ community still faces challenges such as discrimination and a lack of representation, and raising the flag is one way to stand up against that.

This move is significant because not all states fly the Pride flag. In fact, in several Republican-led states, some laws or orders ban non-government flags, including the Pride flag, from being flown at public buildings. For example, in states like Florida and Texas, there have been debates and even restrictions on such displays.

However, supporters argue that flying the flag during June, which is Pride Month, is not political—it’s about recognizing people’s identities and making them feel safe and respected.

Pride Month itself honors the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York, a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Today, it has become a global celebration of love, identity, and equality.

The Hawaii and Wisconsin flag-raisings are part of a broader pattern across the U.S. where local governments, schools, and businesses are finding more ways to show LGBTQ+ inclusion. In some cities, buildings are lit up in rainbow colors. In other places, Pride parades, festivals, and community events help raise awareness and create a sense of belonging.

Opposition to the Pride flag on government buildings often centers on the argument that only official flags should be flown, such as the national, state, or city flags.

Some critics claim it sets a precedent that might lead to requests for other symbolic flags, leading to complications. But supporters say that recognizing the LGBTQ+ community is about civil rights and inclusion, not politics.

In Hawaii’s case, the Pride flag will be flown for the entire month of June. State officials said this year’s decision to raise the flag comes at a time when LGBTQ+ individuals are still facing rising levels of hate and discrimination in different parts of the country.

A recent report by GLAAD, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, highlighted a sharp increase in anti-LGBTQ+ incidents, especially targeting youth.

Governor Green said Hawaii will continue to stand for equality and safety, and raising the flag is a small but meaningful part of that commitment. Many residents and advocacy groups welcomed the move, saying it shows the state’s leadership is not afraid to stand up for what’s right.

While not all states may follow suit, the actions in Hawaii and Wisconsin show that some state governments are ready to publicly support their LGBTQ+ residents. As Pride Month continues, more events, celebrations, and statements of support are expected to take place across the country.