This is the first time in three years the flag has been hoisted and the first time in history the flag will remain raised there throughout the entire month, a US Embassy spokesperson told Delano. 

Chargé d’Affaires Casey Mace and family minister Corinne Cahen (DP), pictured here, raised the flag on behalf of the LGBTQI+ community. 

“LGBTQI+ rights are human rights, and a society that respects the rights of all its citizens is a society that respects human rights,” Mace said. “By raising this flag today, we show our support to LGBTQI+ people and rights around the world.  Our actions demonstrate the US and its allies, such as Luxembourg, stand united in the defense of every person’s right to live in freedom, dignity and security, no matter their sexuality, sexual orientation, or gender identity.”

On 24 February, US president Joe Biden (D) signed a memorandum on advancing the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex persons around the world, which reaffirms the earlier 2011 presidential memorandum and directs its departments and agencies abroad to engage to ensure the promotion and protection of LGBTQI+ people. “All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear no matter who they are or whom they love,” the memorandum states. 

Also in attendance for the US Embassy in Luxembourg event were, among others, Marc Angel, LGBT European MP and co-chair of EP LGBTI intergroup; Alexander Grodensky, LGBT rabbi of Esch-sur-Alzette; Tom Hecker, president of Rosa Lëtzebuerg; and Pride Luxembourg representative Nicolas Van Elsué.