The Case Against Displaying The LGBT Flag: Why U.S. Embassies, Departments, & Offices Should Exclusively Fly Old Glory
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The representation of U.S. agencies and offices, including the Department of State and U.S. Embassies, carries significant implications for diplomacy and the safety of American expats around the world.
Promoting neutral representation is the best way to represent inclusivity and is crucial by exclusively displaying the American flag. No other ideological flag should be displayed alongside Old Glory either online or the flag pole by U.S. agencies and their affiliates. When U.S. offices and their taxpayer-funded workers refrain from playing activism for specific ideological affiliations, such as the LGBT lobby, they effectively reduce potential diplomatic challenges and contribute to the safety of American citizens residing in countries where the LGBT ideology may clash with local cultural norms.
Ensuring Effective Diplomacy
The primary purpose of U.S. offices abroad is to foster diplomatic relations and advance American interests showing no preference for one ideology or lobby over any other. However, when U.S. offices display flags associated with specific ideological affiliations, such as the LGBT flag, it compromises the very mission it intends to succeed in and becomes the activist's tool rather than the diplomatic bridge it is initially designed to be.Â
This display inaccurately conveys unanimous support for the LGBT lobby, disregarding the fact that millions of Americans hold diverse perspectives on this subject. The decision to display the LGBT flag alongside the American flag in embassies worldwide is made by a small group of bureaucrats in the bubble of Washington, D.C., that do not appropriately represent all of America.
By adopting a neutral stance and exclusively displaying the U.S. flag, U.S. offices and embassies better advance diplomatic efforts centered solely on America's core values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — values that many in the world desire but do not possess. Â
American citizens living and working abroad rely on U.S. offices for support and protection. By displaying only the U.S. flag, U.S. offices send the clear message that they prioritize the well-being of American citizens while maintaining diplomatic engagement with countries with differing views for the inclusivity America strives to stand for.
This approach helps protect the safety of Americans living in regions known for their hostility towards the myriad of Western worldviews.
Navigating Cultural Sensitivities
Global diplomacy requires a keen understanding of cultural sensitivities and norms. Displaying divisive symbols like the LBGT flag during the lobby's self-declared Pride Month nationally and worldwide unjustly imposes its values on everyone in the U.S. and others around the world and is antithetical to inclusivity.
A neutral approach representing the United States, U.S. offices also better foster an environment more conducive to dialogue, facilitating stronger diplomatic possibilities. Â
Promoting Human Rights
The United States is committed to promoting human rights worldwide. However, it is crucial to recognize that different nations have diverse perspectives and legal frameworks regarding LGBT ideology.
Diplomatic efforts focused on human rights can be more effective by engaging in constructive dialogue rather than through overt displays that may be perceived as disregarding and intentionally disrespecting local customs or values, such as in Seoul, South Korea, one of many countries largely traditional as it relates to martial relationships.Â
Conclusion
In light of the need for effective diplomacy and the safety of American expats, it is crucial for U.S. agencies and offices to carefully evaluate proposals such as the H.R.85 - Old Glory Only Act, which sought to prohibit the flying of ideological flags, including the LGBT flag, at U.S. embassies and offices.
H.R.85 did not pass then Democrat-controlled House of Representatives but should be reconsidered, or something very similar, for the safety of expats and for appropriate representation of the U.S. to the world.
The best way to practice inclusivity as a government is to remain neutral on social issues, not play activist or be exploited as an activist's tool. Â
Maintaining neutrality on social issues is naturally considerate of others cultural sensitivities while enhancing diplomatic relations, and safeguards American citizens around the world. Neutrality is paramount in this context.
Preserving American values while respecting the diversity of perspectives across the global community should remain a guiding principle.
It is crucial to intentionally and humbly consider the potential consequences and the broader impact on diplomatic efforts when showcasing divisive symbols such as the LGBT flag alongside our American flag.
The best approach to represent inclusivity on social issues is for the taxpayer’s government offices, from embassies and consulates to the White House, to display our country’s flag exclusively as it already represents life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all people as it is without cojoining symbol(s).