Seen across the internet June 1, national LGBTQ+ communities and allies posted imagery of all kinds, signifying the start of Pride Month, a 30-day slate of events celebrating LGBTQ+ culture. A variation of that action has been on fill display in cities all over the United States over the last few days, with some flying Pride flags in defiance of right-wing efforts to ban the gesture.
Since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, there has been a surge of bills from the GOP side of Congress to crack down on any DEI representation, which includes displays from LGBTQ+ community. Even before the new administration, Republicans nationwide have sought to ban the display of Pride flags on government buildings and in stateside schools, with recent examples being Florida and Utah.
However, multiple state governors and city mayors have decided to choose inclusion over disenfranchisement for their LGBTQ+ residents by displaying Pride flags in defiance of growing censorship.
In Florida on June 2, instead of going by Governor Ron DeSantis’ (R-FL) order to have a bridge in Jacksonville be decorated in red, white, and blue for June, the local community worked together to make a lightshow along the structure displaying full Pride rainbow colors. On the Friday before June 1, a Pride flag was flown high at Salt Lake City Hall, kicking off a week of Utah Pride activities and punching back at the Utah Legislature’s ban on the rainbow banner flying over government grounds, which is currently a law as of March 2025.
Many other states followed along, both in politically red and blue districts, including Montana, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
In Hawaii’s case, despite the crackdown on progressive culture across the states in 2025, this year marks the first time that officials will join in on the month’s festivities by raising the Pride flag at the state capital.
“Flying the Pride flag at our state Capitol is a proud reflection of aloha, as well as our deep commitment to inclusion,” said Gov. Josh Green (D) at the ceremony. “While other places are pushing people to the margins, Hawaii is leading with compassion and courage, recognizing that our Mahu and LGBTQIA+ communities have always been a valued part of our story, and always will be.”