Pride Flag Flown Proudly Over the New York Capitol

ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul Friday 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