MADISON, Wis. — For the fifth year in a row, a pride flag is being flown over the Wisconsin Capitol building for the month of June.
Gov. Tony Evers made state history in 2019 when he first ordered the Rainbow Pride Flag be flown over the Capitol to celebrate June Pride Month.
The governor made history again last year when he switched to the Progress Pride Flag — a tradition that continued Thursday.
“This is one of my favorite days of the year, and I’m jazzed as hell to be here with all of you,” Gov. Evers told the crowd gathered on the steps of the Capitol.
Evers, who didn’t want to dampen the excitement, became emotional as he took a moment to explain why the flying the flag is more than a symbol.
“Raising the pride flag today sends a message for all of those who have only ever wanted to belong, who have had to find their own family, who have never known home, you belong here,” Gov. Evers said.
The message is meaningful, especially for Wisconsin’s first openly gay cabinet member, Secretary-Designee James Bond of the state’s Dept. of Veterans Affairs.
“We raise this flag as a beacon,” Bond explained. “A reminder to all, you are welcome here at the Wisconsin State Capitol.”
The Progress Pride Flag flown over the East Wing will not disrupt the Wisconsin or American flags, and the POW-MIA flag will still fly over the North Wing as it does everyday.