Hawaii has officially joined Wisconsin in raising the LGBT pride flag to mark the beginning of Pride Month 2025. The flag-raising ceremony took place at the Hawaii State Capitol on June 3, 2025, as a symbol of solidarity and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community.
This public display reflects growing support from state leaders and sends a message of inclusion and equality.
The pride flag now flies under both the American and Hawaiian state flags, representing not just celebration but a clear commitment to diversity.
Governor Josh Green approved the move as a way to honor the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community and to stand in unity with people who continue to advocate for equal rights.
Governor Green’s office confirmed the flag would remain up for the entire month of June in recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. This follows similar action taken by Wisconsin, where the pride flag was raised over the state Capitol by Governor Tony Evers.
Evers, a Democrat, has made the tradition an annual event since taking office in 2019. The Wisconsin Capitol will also display the flag for all of June.
In recent years, more states and cities across the U.S. have taken steps to officially recognize Pride Month by raising the rainbow flag or organizing awareness events.
It is a visible reminder that the LGBTQ+ community is a part of the nation’s social and cultural fabric. These gestures often face political criticism, but they remain important acts of support for many individuals who still experience discrimination.
While Wisconsin has regularly flown the flag since 2019, this is Hawaii’s first time joining in the symbolic move at the state level. Officials noted the decision was influenced by a broader push for inclusion and visibility across the U.S.
In light of recent debates and legislative efforts targeting LGBTQ+ rights in other states, actions like this send a signal that some states remain firm in their support.
The pride flag is a long-standing symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and resistance. Its colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet—represent life, healing, sunlight, nature, harmony, and spirit.
It is often raised in June to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York, a turning point in the fight for gay rights in America.
Public reactions to the flag raising in both Hawaii and Wisconsin have been largely positive. Many social media users applauded the state for their inclusive stance. “It means a lot to see our flag represented by the government,” one Twitter user wrote, while another said, “Visibility like this still matters so much.”
However, some critics argue that government buildings should not display symbols that represent particular social groups, even if the intention is inclusivity.
Some conservative voices have pushed back, claiming such moves are more about political signaling than public service. Despite this, both governors have maintained that the flag represents values of equality, freedom, and human dignity, which align with the ideals of their states.
Pride Month is not just about celebration but also about advocacy and awareness. Across the U.S., events such as parades, panel discussions, and community meet-ups are planned throughout June to raise awareness about the challenges still faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, including mental health issues, job discrimination, and healthcare inequality.
Hawaii and Wisconsin’s participation in Pride Month by raising the rainbow flag is a clear reminder that states can play a role in shaping social progress.
Whether through symbolic gestures or legislative actions, public support helps create a safer and more accepting environment for everyone.