MADISON, Wis. — On the eve of Pride Month beginning in June, Gov. Tony Evers and state lawmakers gathered at the Capitol building on Friday to start the celebration early by once again raising the Progress Pride Flag over the East Wing.
It has become a tradition of sorts on the Capitol grounds since 2019 when the governor first ordered the Rainbow Pride Flag to be flow
“We will always, always be proud to celebrate Wisconsin’s important history of activism and advocacy to support LGBTQ people and advance the rights and freedoms that they deserve,” Gov. Evers told the crowd gathered for the event.
The governor, however, acknowledged there is more work to be done in the fight for equality, while those in the LGBTQ+ communities said Friday’s flag raising is a gesture that brought a sense of comfort.
“The Pride Flag doesn’t just represent support; it says that you see us and that you value us,” Cathy Grier of Door County's Open Door Pride, explained. “It’s a wonderful feeling to know the place we love so much is happy that we’re here.”
A place that Gov. Evers reiterated is open to all.
“This is the people’s house,” Gov. Evers said. “These elected leaders serve at the pleasure of the people of the state, and, yes, that means LGBTQ Wisconsinites too.”
The Progress Pride Flag will not disrupt any of the other flags that normally fly, so visitors to the Capitol will still see the U.S. and Wisconsin flags over the East Wing, as well as the POW-MIA flag over the North Wing.
Gov. Evers also proclaimed June 2024 as “LGBTQ Pride Month” throughout the state of Wisconsin. A copy of the governor’s 2024 LGBTQ Pride Month proclamation is available here.