As Pride Month 2025 begins, two U.S. states Hawaii and Wisconsin have made history and headlines by raising the Progress Pride Flag above their state capitols, sending a powerful message of inclusion and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Hawaii Raises the Pride Flag for the First Time
In a landmark move, Hawaii raised the Progress Pride Flag over the State Capitol in Honolulu for the first time ever. Governor Josh Green led the initiative as a formal recognition of June as Pride Month.
Governor Green said in an official statement, “Flying the pride flag at our state capitol is a proud reflection of that aloha, as well as our deep commitment to inclusion.” This decision highlights Hawaii’s values of acceptance, equality, and support for its diverse population.
The move comes amid increasing debates across the U.S. about the public display of non-governmental flags. Yet, Hawaii’s leadership chose to take a clear stand in favor of visibility for LGBTQ+ citizens.
In addition to the flag over the State Capitol, the City and County of Honolulu will also display the Progress Pride Flag outside the Frank F. Fasi Municipal Building. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced this as part of broader celebrations recognizing Pride Month.
More symbolic displays are scheduled throughout June. Between June 23 and June 30, Honolulu Hale and the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena will be lit in rainbow-colored lights in celebration. This vibrant gesture is expected to draw large crowds and widespread attention from locals and tourists alike.
Wisconsin Continues Its Pride Month Tradition
While Hawaii marks a new milestone, Wisconsin continues its long-standing Pride Month tradition. Governor Tony Evers raised the Progress Pride Flag over the East Wing of the Wisconsin State Capitol for the seventh consecutive year.
The flag-raising event in Madison was filled with symbolism, particularly as this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
Governor Evers reaffirmed his support for the LGBTQ+ community, stating, “Every day, but especially today and this month, we reaffirm our commitment to striving to be a place where every LGBTQ kid, person, and family can be bold in their truth and be safe, treated with dignity and respect, and welcomed without fear of persecution, judgment, or discrimination.”
The flag will remain atop the Wisconsin Capitol for the entire month of June, visible from the bustling streets of downtown Madison.
A Divided Landscape Across States
The actions taken by Hawaii and Wisconsin stand in stark contrast to recent efforts in other states to restrict the display of non-governmental flags on state buildings.
Montana, for example, has enacted legislation prohibiting the flying of flags such as the Pride flag on public government buildings unless explicitly authorized. Similar bills are under consideration in other states, including Arizona, where lawmakers have argued that only official government symbols should be displayed on state property.
These developments have sparked widespread discussion and criticism, especially among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and civil rights organizations. They argue that such bans are not just symbolic exclusions but also send a message of marginalization to already vulnerable communities.
However, leaders in Hawaii and Wisconsin have chosen to lean into values of equality and acceptance, hoping to model what they believe is a more inclusive vision for the country.
Celebrating Progress and Visibility
The Progress Pride Flag which includes additional colors to represent marginalized LGBTQ+ communities of color and the transgender community is increasingly becoming the symbol of choice during Pride Month across the U.S. and abroad.
Its visibility on state buildings signifies more than just celebration it also signals recognition, validation, and public acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ rights and identities.
With Hawaii raising the flag for the first time and Wisconsin continuing its established tradition, both states are not just celebrating Pride they are taking a stand for the rights of all people, regardless of who they are or whom they love.
