In 2017, Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs introduced black and brown stripes to the Pride flag to recognize queer and trans people of color. When I was young and newly out of the closet, around 2013, I saw LGBTQ flags for every community imaginable online, including esoteric variants, such as the green, black, white, and grey aromantic flag, and a pale pink and yellow flag for slim, hairless 20-something twinks. The now-familiar six-stripe flag is actually a redesign. Later that year, though, the flag lost its pink stripe because of fabric unavailability at the local manufacturer, and turquoise fell off the year after for the same reason. That earliest iteration included pink and turquoise stripes, symbolizing sex and art, respectively-parts of queer life that the designers thought were worth fighting for. We must consider all the layers and identities of each individual.Since its first flight at 1978’s Gay Freedom Day Parade in San Francisco, the rainbow flag has evolved multiple times. As we have learned, intersectionality is key to understanding others and moving forward. It is a needed change in that we can no longer just find community through one identity.
#Rainbow as gay pride symbol full
Its both exciting and daunting and gives me pause to think whether there is a place for me as my full self or if I will have to code switch between sub-communities within the LGBTQIA community, as I have already begun to do. Is it even possible to have a single symbol that everyone can rally around as the LGBTQIA community? As I process all this and regardless any answers to the above ponderings, it is both a moment of pride and a moment of pause.Ī symbol I’ve rallied around as a gay identified individual now encourages me to rethink about where and how I fit into the community and what role I can play as an East Asian gay adopted male in an interracial relationship. Is it time for a whole new symbol of inclusivity and community that addresses all identities and sub-communities within the LGBTQIA community? Does adding race into a symbol of sexual orientation and gender identity change the purpose and meaning of the Pride Flag? I ask that all be aware that there are individuals beyond just black and brown LGBTQIA in the community such as EAST ASIAN LGBTQIA individuals that are not able to be visibly represented (and often not represented at all in general in the community) in this now racially inclusive Pride Flag I am proud that it is continuing to address societal concerns in our community and now it’s time to address racism More Color More Pride from Hello Tierney on Vimeo.Īll that being said, there are a few thoughts I’m working through: And now adding a brown and black stripe to acknowledge the LGBTQIA POC community:
The star field from the US Flag was added and used often during the DADT (Don’t Ask Don’t Tell) time frame A black stripe at the bottom to address AIDS/HIV in the late 80s and 90s 6 color flag (turquoise was removed to allow for an even number of colors for display purposes) 7 color flag (hot pink was removed due to fabric availability) It has taken several versions over the years: It was designed by Gilbert Baker after he was challenged to create a symbol for the LGBT community to rally around, by LGBTQIA activist and the first openly gay politician elected to public office, Harvey Milk. The first Pride Flag was flown in 1978 in the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade.
Today though I’m writing to work through some thoughts on the new Philly Pride Flag which has added brown and black stripes to represent the LGBTQIA POC community. Hey y’all! Pride Month continues and lots to write about.