diplomatic outposts to fly the Pride flag on the same flagpole as the U.S. Similarly, a fact-sheet from the White House on Tuesday pointed out that the State Department now allows U.S. She also said throughout June the Pride flag “will have a prominent position in FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center, a first for the agency.”
“I am grateful for the members of LGBTQIA+ community and their commitment to creating opportunities & economic growth for everyone.”ĭeanne Criswell, Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator, said in a statement, “celebrating FEMA’s diverse workforce helps us advance the agency’s core values of compassion, fairness, integrity and respect” and "we take these values very seriously because it ensures we embrace the humanity, dignity and worth of those we serve before, during and after a disaster.” “During #PrideMonth, we acknowledge the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community to America's history,” said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
“So there won’t be an exception made this month for the Pride flag.” This was really more about possible "other challenges that could arise from that exception," he added. “After some careful consideration, the department will maintain the existing policy from July of 2020 regarding the display or depiction of unofficial flags,” Kirby said. He banned all unofficial flags from being flown at installations. This was enacted last year by then-Defense Secretary Mark Esper following calls to ban the Confederate flag in military offices and communal housing areas.
Kirby told reporters on Friday that after a review the Pentagon decided to continue the ban on flying Pride flags on military installations, Military Times reported.
#IS FEBRUARY GAY PRIDE MONTH FREE#
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said during a briefing on Tuesday that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is “proud that one of his first actions after being sworn in was to implement President Biden's directive to ensure that all transgender individuals who wish to serve and who can meet the appropriate standards to be able to do so openly and free from discrimination.” Additionally, Austin has directed the department to promote and protect LGBTQ+ human rights around the world, said Kirby. Our LGBTQ+ employees add valuable experiences and unique perspectives to the OPM family, enabling us to better serve the greater federal workforce and American people.” Kathleen McGettigan, acting director of the Office of Personnel Management, said in a communication this week to the OPM workforce, shared with Government Executive: “I'm honored to serve at OPM, where we work hard to ensure LGBTQ+ federal employees and retirees receive fair treatment and equal access to benefits. Rachel Levine, the first openly transgender person to be confirmed by the Senate.” “Nearly 14% of my 1,500 agency appointees identify as LGBTQ+, and I am particularly honored by the service of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve in the Cabinet, and Assistant Health Secretary Dr. “This Pride Month, we recognize the valuable contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals across America, and we reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with LGBTQ+ Americans in their ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice,” said a proclamation President Biden issued on Tuesday. Since Pride Month started on Tuesday, many federal agencies have been taking the opportunity to recognize their LGBTQ+ employees and share how they are advancing equity in their respective missions.