Milwaukee Officials Celebrate Beginning of Pride Month

Intersex Progress Pride being raised in front of Milwaukee County Courthouse. Photo taken June 1, 2026 by Graham Kilmer.

Milwaukee government officials gathered with dozens of community members Monday morning to raise a Pride flag outside the Milwaukee County Courthouse, inaugurating the beginning of Pride Month.

The ceremony was attended by several elected officials including Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell, Ald. Peter Burgelis, Chief Judge Carl Ashley, Sup. Anne O’Connor, State Rep.Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) and Clerk of Circuit Court Anna Maria Hodges.

“Today’s flag raising is more than just symbolism; it’s a public affirmation that Milwaukee County is a place where everyone, every single person, deserves dignity, respect, safety and freedom to live their authentic selves,” Crowley said.

Nicholson-Bovell echoed Crowley’s view of the importance of the flag. “Let’s continue building a county where everyone can thrive, everyone belongs and everyone can celebtrate who they are, not just during Pride Month, but every day in Milwaukee County,” she said.

The county executive and the mayor both issued proclamations Monday recognizing Pride Month and its role in commemorating the legacy of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and the contributions of LGBTQ+ county residents.

After a handful of speeches, the Intersex Progress Pride Flag was hoisted on a flagpole in Clas Park, located at the south end of the courthouse, 930 W. Wells St. The mayor called it “really remarkable” that the county and the city came together Monday for the flag raising.

“I can’t think of any greater way, any more epic way to start Pride Month and what we’re doing right now,” the mayor said.

Milwaukee County has flown the intersex flag since 2023. It’s the “most inclusive” Pride flag available, said Burgelis, who wrote the resolution that led the county to use that flag in particular.

Burgelis, who was the first out member of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, sponsored a resolution in 2023 calling for the county to fly the Pride flag at all county buildings with a flagpole in June. He pushed the Intersex Progress Pride Flag after hearing feedback on the legislation, he said. He authored a similar resolution again when he was elected to the Milwaukee Common Council. Burgelis said he once heard from a resident of Wausau who was intersex and thanked him for using the flag and making him feel recognized as a member of the community.

“That’s why this is important,” Burgelis said. “Happy Pride, everybody.”

Flag Raising

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