Department of Health and Human Services becomes first federal agency to fly trans-pride flag

The Department of Health and Human Services has made history as the first federal agency to fly the transgender pride flag.

The pink, white and blue striped flag was flown below the American flag on the flagpole in front of the Hubert H. Humphrey Building.

According to the Washington Times, this was one of several actions taken by the administration to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility. The department said in a press release, “Earlier today, HHS raised a transgender flag outside its headquarters building, becoming the first federal agency to do so.” 

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becarra made a statement saying that his department “will continue to do everything in our power to protect the health care of transgender people, including access to gender-affriming care.”

He continued saying, “On this international Transgender Day of Visisbility, I say to our transgender communities: we see you, we stand with you, and we will be there for you.”

The HHS also released guidance to state agencies and health-care providers. The federal guidelines also clarified that health care providers “are not required to disclose private patient information related to gender-affirming care,” and that “denials of health care based on gender identity are illegal.”

Last year, the State Department flew the progress flag outside of its headquarters during Pride Month for the first time.