MADISON, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) – LGBTQ lawmakers and their allies gathered in Madison for the first-ever Pride Month Celebration at the State Capitol Monday afternoon.

Gov. Tony Evers talked about the progress Wisconsin has made in the fight for equal rights for all.

“We have made critical steps towards LGBTQ equity and equality in Wisconsin by electing two openly LGBTQ congresspersons; Senator Tammy Baldwin and Representative Mark Pocan, and by legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015,” Evers said.

Evers also talked about the significance of flying the rainbow pride flag over the State Capitol this month for the first time in history.

“Publicly displaying the rainbow pride flag sends a clear and unequivocal message that Wisconsin is a welcoming and inclusive place where everybody can live without fear of persecution, and discrimination,” Evers said.

State Rep. Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) talked about the progress Wisconsin has made since he came out as an openly gay man 14 years ago.

“If you had told me then, that 14 years later, I would be standing at the Wisconsin State Capitol as an openly gay elected representative speaking about June as LGBTQ Pride Month with the governor standing next to me, I would have never believed you,” Spreitzer said.

Gov. Evers says there is still much more work to be done to make sure all Wisconsinites are treated with respect and full equity in their daily lives.

Earlier this month, he signed a proclamation ordering the rainbow pride flag to be flown over the east wing of the capitol building in recognition of Pride Month.