Local LGBTQ leaders speak out on Pride flag at VA in Biloxi

Leaders of Gulf Coast Equality, PFlag Gulfport, Vote your Pride Mississippi, Mississippi Rising Coalition, and the Trans Program released a joint statement Monday night in response to the protests regarding the Pride flag flying at the VA.

Gulf Coast Equality’s presentation today at the society’s monthly lunch and learn explains how individuals can learn to become better allies to the LGBTQ+ community.

While they prepared for their luncheon, we talked to them about the VA’s decision to continue flying the flag despite backlash.

They are beyond appreciative of the VA’s decision and want the community to understand the decision to fly the flag is not political, but a human rights issue.

Some of the Equality Council’s board members have served and believed nothing is more patriotic than having a flag fly that promotes inclusivity and freedom for all people. Gulf Coast Equality President Kristen Simms said, “Molly Kester, who is our former president, she is still on our board and served with the military for 20 years. She said ‘there is no greater honor than being a veteran, to have served and to sacrifice, and know you did something that allows support of all people in the community.”

The Pride flag is flying at the VA and will for the rest of June.