The Biden administration has granted “blanket authorization” for U.S. embassies and consulates to fly the LGBT Pride flag on their official flagpoles, overturning the effective ban imposed by the Trump administration. This move, announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in an internal State Department cable obtained by ABC News, marks a significant shift in policy towards supporting the rights of LGBTQI+ persons and communities.
The cable, sent earlier this week, outlines the Biden administration’s commitment to promoting LGBTI rights and details several actions taken by President Joe Biden since assuming office. Posts are now authorized to display the Pride flag on external-facing flagpoles for the duration of the 2021 Pride season, although it is not a requirement.
Under the previous administration, embassies were prohibited from flying any flag other than the U.S. flag on official flagpoles, leading to several embassies being denied permission to fly the Pride flag. However, the Biden administration’s new policy encourages missions to develop events and policies for International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia on May 17 and Pride month in June.
Secretary Blinken has also pledged to name a special envoy for the human rights of LGBTI persons and to protect LGBTI rights by providing asylum categories for those fleeing persecution, lobbying for the repeal of discriminatory laws, and building coalitions against LGBTQI+ discrimination. While the administration does not advocate for or against same-sex marriage abroad, it emphasizes the importance of promoting fundamental freedoms and consulting with local advocates on sensitive issues.