In honor of Pride Month, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Deputy Secretary Don Graves joined Commerce employees earlier this month in raising the Progress Pride Flag outside the Commerce Department building. Flown throughout June, the flag celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQI+ community.

“Pride Month is a celebration of the courage and contributions of the LGBTQI+ community,” said Secretary Raimondo. “As we reflect on the progress we’ve made, we must recommit to our fight for equality, justice, and inclusion to ensure everyone has the freedom to be their authentic selves.”

Pride Month is an opportunity to reflect on the incredible strength, perseverance, and progress of the LGBTQI+ community. It’s also a chance to honor those who paved the way– brave individuals who stood up and came out, often at their own personal expense, to build a better, more accepting America.

The theme for this year’s Pride Month is, “Pride in Progress,” which directly reflects the mission and vision set forth in the Commerce Department’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan. As part of the implementation of this plan, Commerce employees have collaborated across the Department to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all.

“It is so important that we find ways to make sure that we're supporting every individual, no matter who they are, their sexual orientation, their gender, their pronouns, their race, ethnicity, or religion,” said Deputy Secretary Don Graves. “At Commerce, we are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment where every person can thrive.”

The Department of Commerce is proud to join the Biden Administration and the nation in commemorating Pride Month. Please take time to read the Presidential Proclamation on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Pride Month, 2024.

In addition, see links below to view Commerce employee videos in honor of Pride Month, 2024. 

Commerce Celebrates Pride Month: How do you celebrate Pride?

Commerce Celebrates Pride Month: How do you overcome adversity?