Secretary of State Blinken will allow embassies to fly LGBTQ flag on same pole as U.S. flag

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is allowing U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to fly an LGBTQ pride flag on the same pole as the United States flag.

The authorization is a change from the Trump administration, which banned any other flags from flying on the same pole as the U.S. flag, according to Foreign Policy magazine, which said it learned of the change by reviewing a confidential cable but is unclear when the cable was sent. 

The Trump administration allowed the LGBTQ flag to be displayed elsewhere at diplomatic posts worldwide.

Blinken also gave authority for the flag to be flown before May 17, the international day against homophobia, and throughout June, which is LGBTQ pride month.

The cable purportedly says embassies and consulate officials can choose whether to fly the flag and should do so if "appropriate in light of local conditions."

"I think the United States playing the role that it should be playing in standing up for and defending the rights of LGBTQ people is something that the [State] Department is going to take on and take on immediately," Blinken said in January during his confirmation hearing.