For the first time in California’s history, the LGBTQ Pride flag is flying above the state’s capitol building. “By flying the pride flag over the State Capitol,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement, “we send a clear message that California is welcoming and inclusive to all, regardless of how you identify or who you love.”
That clear message isn’t intended for only LGBTQ Californians, either. At the start of Pride Month, U.S. embassies around the world said the Trump administration forbade them from raising the Pride flag in solidarity with LGBTQ people. This was not the case in years past, wrote Daily Kos’ Marissa Higgins, but “this year the State Department rejected every single request.” Happy Pride.
Newsom’s office said that the Pride flag was displayed both inside and outside California’s capitol building during certain occasions, such as the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision on marriage equality, but the raising of the flag over the building is a historic first. “Today’s flag raising follows similar historical firsts in Colorado and Wisconsin,” the release continued.
Colorado, in particular, also marked the start of Pride by passing two bills protecting LGBTQ residents, one “making it easier for transgender people to change the gender listed on state-issued documents,” and a second banning the practice of so-called conversion therapy for vulnerable youth, becoming the 18th state in the nation to take such action.
California’s action “is symbolic of more than Pride Month,” said California Assemblymember Todd Gloria. “This is about respecting and honoring the humanity of all people. At a time when the Trump Administration is forbidding U.S. embassies and consulates around the world from raising pride flags, we are sending the message that we acknowledge and respect LGBTQ people, and they have a home here in California. I am proud Governor Newsom is continuing to keep California as a rainbow beacon of hope for the rest of the nation.”