Flag

An official website of the United States government

Travel Advisory Level 1: Exercise Normal Caution Travel Advisory Level 1: Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. Read More...
Happy Pride Week, Helsinki!
By
5 MINUTE READ
June 26, 2023

Photo of the U.S. Embassy Finland with the Progress Pride flag flying“Hyvää Pride-viikkoa Helsinki!
We are celebrating Helsinki Pride Week at the U.S. Embassy in Finland by displaying the Progress Pride flag in solidarity with LGBTQI+ persons around the world.
The United States proudly advances and encourages efforts to protect LGBTQI+ persons from discrimination, violence, abuse, and criminalization; and further empowers local LGBTQI+ movements and persons.
Democracies are stronger when they celebrate the full rights and value of all persons, free from discrimination.”
– Ambassador Hickey

By

Commemorating LGBTQI+ Pride Month 

Press Statement by Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
June 1, 2023

Every June, the United States celebrates Pride Month, marking the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, when police raided a gay bar in New York City and its patrons stood up against discrimination, abuse, and mistreatment.  Pride reminds us of the spirit of democratic protest and the principle that all persons are created equal and every individual’s full humanity should be equally respected.

Five decades after Stonewall, we know that inclusion of and respect for LGBTQI+ persons make our nation stronger. We also recognize the impact LGBTQI+ persons and organizations have had on some of the cornerstones of our democracy, including in pursuing truth through a free media and exercising the right to peacefully assemble.

The Department of State proudly works to promote and protect the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons around the world. We strongly oppose the “otherization” of LGBTQI+ persons to justify authoritarian power grabs and attacks on institutions of democracy globally.  Democracies are stronger when they celebrate the full rights and value of all persons, without discrimination.

News, Speeches & Statements