Governor Hochul Announces LGBTQ+ Progress Pride Flag Flown Over New York State Capitol in Honor of Pride Month 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that LGBTQ+ Progress Pride Flags were raised for the first time over the New York State Capitol as part of the New York State 2022 celebration of Pride Month. A copy of Governor Hochul's proclamation designating June 2022 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month was also presented to the hosts of the major Capital Region Pride events this weekend.

"The historic raising of the Progress Pride Flag over New York State's Capitol stands as a symbol of our solidarity with members of the LGBTQ+ community, serving as a visible reminder that the people of New York hear and respect their voices," Governor Hochul said. "I am humbled to honor their achievements during Pride month, and will continue to stand with them in the fight for justice and equality."

"This isn't just any flag raising — we are raising the flag that signifies diversity, individuality, love and most of all PRIDE — it's an historic moment in New York State as this is the first time the Progress Pride Flag has been flown over the New York State Capitol and I am happy to be a part of it," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, who was in attendance at the event held on the Empire State Plaza. "Pride Month is a month dedicated to celebrating our diversity and building connections among all people from across the region. That diversity is at the very foundation of what makes us New Yorkers."

The Progress Pride Flag is based on the iconic rainbow flag from the late 1970s. The Progress Pride Flag was designed in 2018 and adds five colored lines in an arrow shape to place a greater emphasis on "inclusion and progression." The flag includes black and brown stripes to represent marginalized LGBTQ+ communities of color, along with the colors light blue, pink, and white, which are from the Transgender Pride Flag. The flag will also be flown in the Capital Region at the Executive Mansion, Alfred E. Smith Building, and Harriman Campus.

Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, "Today's raising of the Progress Pride Flag over the Capitol in celebration of Pride Month pays tribute to the achievements of New York State's LGBTQ+ communities. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, we are fully embracing and advancing New York State's historic role as a leader in the pursuit of equality for all."

State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "This pride we must recommit ourselves to the work of protecting all of our rights. That includes supporting dignity for all of us and keeping the most vulnerable amongst us safe. Governor Hochul's support for our community is steadfast and absolute, and I am proud to serve in her administration."

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, "As someone with years of experience advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, I am proud to celebrate Pride Month by raising the Progress Pride Flag, which embodies the inclusivity this movement represents in our community. Governor Hochul has clearly demonstrated her strong commitment to LGBTQ+ equity, not just with words, but with concrete actions that help to solidify New York State's standing as a leader on this issue."

Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Amanda Hiller said, "New York will always be a beacon of hope for the LGBTQ+ community. I'm proud to participate in today's flag raising ceremony as it highlights just how far we've come with inclusion and progress. It should serve, too, as a reminder of the work we all still need to do inside our own communities to ensure equity for all New Yorkers."

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, "New York State embraces its diversity because we know it adds to our strength. It's a place where all are welcome, no matter who they love or how they identify. These flags are powerful symbols of these principles of inclusivity that we hold dear, and I'm proud to join Governor Hochul and my other state partners in raising the Progress Pride Flags over the Capitol for the first time ever," said. "And while June is Pride Month, we must carry this sense of inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community and progress with us 365 days a year."

In Our Own Voices CEO Tandra Lagrone said, "In Our Own Voices is excited to partner with New York State. While, our community has experienced loss and is under attack, with over 325 bills introduced in legislation targeted at our community and over 50% explicitly directed at our TGNC siblings. It is a chance for us, especially LGBTQ+ POC, families, friends, and allies, to unite to celebrate community, strength, and a moment of respite."

Executive Director, Pride Center of the Capital Region Executive Director Nathaniel Gray said, "Sadly, we've all become familiar with isolation over these past two years. The LGBTQ+ community has always faced issues of isolation and erasure, something that often leads us to experience depression and anxiety. That's why events like today's historic Progress Pride Flag Raising are so impactful for the LGBTQ+ folks of the Capital Region and the State of New York; when we see ourselves reflected in the culture around us, it reminds us that we're a normal part of every community, everywhere, every day. This simple act can and will save lives. Thank you to Governor Hochul and Lieutenant Governor Delgado for their longstanding support of the LGBTQ+ community; we look forward to an ongoing relationship to make certain the Capital Region, and entire state, are safe and affirming environment for all."

Progress Pride Flags will also be flown at these State Buildings:

In addition, several Capital Region state landmarks will be lit in recognition of Capital Region LGBTQ+ Pride Weekend, June 10 to 13, including:

State landmarks to be lit in recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month on June 23 to 30 include:

Other activities in the Capital Region include a new exhibit in the Governor's Reception Room at the New York State Capitol, With Pride and Dignity, that spotlights the struggle for the rights of LGBTQ+ service members in the U.S. Military and shows how New York State supports the fight against discrimination. The exhibit is located on the second floor of the New York State Capitol and will run through the end of June. More information about the exhibit can be found here.

Additional information about New York State's Pride Month observance, including the Pride Month exhibit in the State Capitol, can be found here.