embassy can often move the needle on many issues overseas. They do this knowing that public support from the U.S. As with almost all public outreach abroad, experienced American diplomats and staff from the host country determine how to best convey our policies and values in a way that will resonate with communities in that country. United States embassies have been flying the distinctive rainbow flags and engaging in Pride activities for years, but Washington didn’t dictate how it should be done. Want more articles like this? Sign up here for our newsletter to get the best essays and analysis from THINK weekly A month later, raising the flag at the consulate was a continuation of that message. Together, we pledged that Germany and America would always fight back against the hatred that fueled the attack.
embassy is seen as a beacon - not of perfection, but of the continuing fight toward greater equality and opportunity.Įarlier that summer, in the days after the Pulse nightclub attack in Orlando, several German towns planned vigils to honor the victims, and I attended as a symbol of gratitude for their solidarity. In countries struggling with discrimination and oppression, a U.S.
