Illinois Capitol flies LGBTQ Pride flag for first time
Mon. June 17, 2019 10:21 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
illinois flies lgbtq pride flag at capitol
photo credit // phoenix center
Springfield, IL -
A rainbow flag is flying over the Illinois state Capitol building in recognition of Pride month, following an executive order by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat.
The colorful flag is a symbol of the LGBTQ social movement and is widely displayed during Pride month.
Openly-gay Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) on Sunday tweeted a photo of the flag, which was donated by the Phoenix Center, an LGBTQ community center in Central Illinois.
"Last Wednesday the Governor's office called to see if we had flags," Phoenix Center executive director Jonna Cooley told GoPride.com. "On Friday, we looked out the window at Phoenix Center and there it was, flying below the American and Illinois flags."
According to the Illinois Secretary of State's office, this is the first time ever Illinois has flown the rainbow flag over its Capitol.
"I thought how cool it was to witness this historic event. In the short time he has been in office, Gov. Pritzker has been very supportive of the LGBTQ community," Cooley said.
On June 7, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, issued a similar order, which riled conservatives.
Pride month in Chicago culminates with the 50th annual Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30.
Chicago Pride Calendar | Ten Must-Go Events to Celebrate Pride Month
The colorful flag is a symbol of the LGBTQ social movement and is widely displayed during Pride month.
Openly-gay Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) on Sunday tweeted a photo of the flag, which was donated by the Phoenix Center, an LGBTQ community center in Central Illinois.
"Last Wednesday the Governor's office called to see if we had flags," Phoenix Center executive director Jonna Cooley told GoPride.com. "On Friday, we looked out the window at Phoenix Center and there it was, flying below the American and Illinois flags."
According to the Illinois Secretary of State's office, this is the first time ever Illinois has flown the rainbow flag over its Capitol.
"I thought how cool it was to witness this historic event. In the short time he has been in office, Gov. Pritzker has been very supportive of the LGBTQ community," Cooley said.
On June 7, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, issued a similar order, which riled conservatives.
Pride month in Chicago culminates with the 50th annual Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30.
Chicago Pride Calendar | Ten Must-Go Events to Celebrate Pride Month