Flags of different orientations and their meaning. Gay flag: history of origin

Unlike a natural phenomenon (or, in scientific terms, the refraction spectrum of a light beam), instead of seven colorful colors, there are only six on the LGBT flag.

This flag was designed by a little-known character named Gilbert Baker, who commissioned the design for the massive gay rights parade in San Francisco in 1978.

Now it is difficult to say what logic Baker was guided by when sewing together the colored stripes for the flag. It is likely that the story about the banal cost savings on the material, due to which the number of colors in the rainbow has decreased, is true.

As you can see, while communism was being built in the USSR and Christians were being repressed, in the West, representatives of non-traditional sexual orientation were already defending their rights to the fullest extent. Thirty years later, this wave has come to us, judging by the recent increase in statements regarding sexual rights. And while we hear only single remarks about tolerance and freedom of choice of sexual self-identification, one can be sure that this propaganda will have the widest distribution.

The Lord calls us to love people but hate sin. In LGBT issues, it is quite difficult to maintain this balance, but maintaining neutrality, as it may seem to many of us, is not an option. One way or another, we are all involved in this propaganda. Either we fight it with a "spiritual weapon" - love, blessings and prayers, or we support it. Already, LGBT people are present in your homes, at least in the form of harmless rainbow emojis on iPhones, mobile apps and social networks. Notice how many colors are in your emoji rainbow? And on which rainbow sits the cutest unicorn from the Facebook emoji collection?

Ignoring these "little things" means promoting the spread. By introducing such paraphernalia into everyday life, we help society get used to these phenomena. And having got used, the society recognizes it as normal. Do we want such a perspective for a world in which our children will grow up and serve God?

Here is a simple hint on how to remember which colors and in what order are in a real, God-given rainbow: Every Hunter Wants to Know Where the Pheasant Sits (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, blue, purple).

Now you will definitely be able to distinguish a true rainbow from a pride flag. Just remember that Jesus died for every person, and any member of the LGBT community is the same beloved creation of our common Father.

Irina Arustamyan, editor-in-chief of Flagman magazine

It's no secret that today sexual minorities are beginning to more actively advocate for their own rights. In a number of progressive countries, gays and lesbians have already been recognized as full-fledged members of society, not deserving of public censure and, moreover, contempt. Be that as it may, one thing is obvious: this topic is relevant, it is stupid to hush it up, which means it's time to get enlightened! This article will examine in detail the symbolism of this community and, in particular, its main attribute - the rainbow flag.

What is the LGBT movement?

First you need to properly delve into the theory.

LGBT activism (from English also LGBT - Lesbian + Gay + Bisexual + Transgender; it is also a “gay movement”) is a socio-political movement whose activities are carried out by lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders.

These are representatives of social minorities who, due to their own sexual orientation, may be subjected to various types of xenophobia, discrimination, and intolerance. That is why the fundamental goal of the community is to fight for their rights as citizens, freedom of sexual choice, respect for human rights, established by the UN international council.

The followers of the movement stand for the recognition and acceptance of their group as a unique unit of society with a certain worldview and culture, and at the same time - for giving them the opportunity and right to integrate into the rest of society without prejudice to the views and opinions, without losing the specificity and identity of this category of people.

Background of the fighters for their rights

The symbol of tolerance - the rainbow flag - appeared much later than the community itself, because the beginning of the self-consciousness of activists as a certain, isolated group dates back to the second half of the 19th century, that is, the period preceding not only the Second, but even the First World War!

Such processes and the unrest existing in oppressed circles acquired the most formal form in Germany. Here the distribution of anonymous leaflets began, then gradually the scientific study of, by the then definition, people of the “third sex” was introduced into practice, and finally, the German Richard Oswald, co-authored by Dr. Hirschfeld, was the first to release a film that openly touches on a problematic topic. It was called "Not like everyone else."

After the war, the world was more than satisfied with injustice, and, first of all, LGBT activists felt it. They began to justify entire gay neighborhoods for their own life, to equip gay bars. Over time, they went further - they began to radically rally, repeal discriminatory, oppressive laws that forbid them to work in certain professional areas, be blood donors, enter into marriage unions and adopt children in orphanages. And, of course, the oppressed began to invent their own distinctive paraphernalia.

LGBT rainbow flag: history of origin in the world

The appearance in everyday life of activists of this attribute, with which today gays, lesbians and others are associated in the minds of almost every heterosexual person, is associated with the name of the American Gilbert Baker.

In the 70s of the XX century, Baker moved to San Francisco, where he met the successful and recognized by many people Harvey Milk, whose basic principles of political campaign were the protection of the rights of sexual minorities. This activist became the first openly gay man in his country, achieved a high political position, made a brilliant career in the legislative sphere.

However, November 1978 was fatal for Harvey - he was killed. The dramatic life story of Harvey Milk formed the basis of the film of the same name "Harvey Milk".

It is known that shortly before his death, it was Milk who asked the young Baker to create a flag that would become a real symbol of the growing gay movement. The task was clear to Gilbert, since he had behind him a whole baggage of invented and created slogans, posters, banners and other activist materials for demonstrations, marches, pickets and rallies. The flag appeared in 1978.

Flag Description

The flag designed by Baker, also known as the "Freedom Flag", "Peace Flag" or "Pride Flag", is a rectangle, traditionally consisting of 6 longitudinal horizontal stripes, classically replacing each other.

Their colors are related to the natural order of the color palette in the rainbow and are similarly arranged from top to bottom. However, in general, the internal content of the flag does not meet the established canons of heraldry due to the diversity of the combination. The colors that make up the flag and their intended meanings are as follows:

• Red - sexuality, fire, vitality and energy.
• Orange - healing.
• Yellow - Sun.
• Green is nature.
• Blue is art.
• Purple - harmony.

The meaning contained in each band, according to the creator, should reflect one of the essential, distinctive symbols of human existence in terms of value. The flag is a material material personification of the openness, pride and brightness of the entire community, morally united and infinitely joyful in relation to the world.

What the rainbow flag symbolizes is understandable. And where to look for the origins?

There are many theories as to why the gay rainbow flag is the way it is. In one, perhaps the most beautiful of them, the creator was inspired by the atmosphere of irreconcilable hostility of sexual minorities with the government, which was expressed in the form of clashes between the Stonewall gay bar patrons and the police and serious riots. This happened at the end of June 1969.

And what about the rainbow flag? The fact is that shortly before the events described, the singer and Hollywood actress Judy Garland, known for her role as Dorothy in the fairy-tale film The Wizard of Oz, and at the same time for being one of the first icons of the gay community and the movement to fight for her rights, died. . It was Garland's song Over the Rainbow (literally - "Over the Rainbow") that could be the reason that the rainbow flag became one of the symbols of sexual minorities.

According to other sources, Baker was inspired by memories of anti-war protests on university campuses, where striped flags (albeit in slightly different colors) meant a manifestation of tolerance towards all races, personified pacifism and humanity.

The author himself, however, subsequently noticed that the appearance of the flag is a synthesis of simplicity and elegance, beauty and a deep inner idea. It consists in reflecting the differences that exist between all LGBT people in terms of gender, age, race and other characteristics. However, they are all fighting for the same cause. Scattered stripes of different colors make up one flag.

Modifications of the colored canvas: how they changed before and what they are coming up with now

With what the rainbow flag means, as well as its history, everything seems to be clear. Much more interesting is that, in view of the technological progress that has stepped forward, and with it human creativity, the traditional color canvas is often subjected to the most diverse transformations.

Material modifications have taken place before: for example, the pink color initially chosen by Baker turned out to be too costly to be involved in production, and it had to be abandoned, replacing it with a more compromise red.

There were originally more bands. But people realized that too large a flag is inconvenient to use, and therefore its components were reduced to an even number.

During the AIDS epidemic, the community decided to replace one of the flag's stripes with black, agreeing to remove it only when the disease was defeated.

However, next to the usual, although sometimes still striking variations - for example, the creation of a 10 (!) Meter banner in honor of the "birthday" of the symbol - non-standard solutions also coexist. So, in the summer of 2015, the colors of the rainbow of the flag of freedom lit up the outer walls of the White House. This marked the legalization of non-traditional marriages in all states of the country.

After the terrorist attack in Orlando, when people were shot at a gay club, the Eiffel Tower was lit up in the colors of the flag as a sign of memory of the dead and solidarity with LGBT representatives.

Acceptance or rejection

Currently, the LGBT movement and the rights of its followers are legally recognized in most of the European Union, as well as in the United States, Canada, Greenland, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, Colombia and the Faroe Islands.

The contentious issue of same-sex marriage persists in parts of Mexico and Costa Rica. Countries where only civil unions and partnerships for representatives of sexual minorities are legalized are Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Greece, Cyprus, Chile, Liechtenstein, Croatia, Andorra, Italy, Estonia, Ecuador, and partly Australia.

In all of the above countries, activists can openly declare their sexual orientation, and in case of pressure on this basis, contact the police and count on the protection of personal integrity.

The difference lies in the fact that the conclusion of alliances and partnerships does not give an unconventional couple a number of legal rights. They are limited in their ability to adopt a child from an orphanage, they cannot apply for surrogacy or artificial insemination services.

The use of symbols, including not only the Pride flag, but also other attributes: the pink triangle, the bisexual flag, the purple hand, the transgender symbol, is not even in question here - it is absolutely allowed.

Rainbow flag: is it banned in Russia?

In Russia, the general problem of attitudes towards sexual minorities is extremely acute: for example, it was even proposed to ban the main LGBT rainbow symbol in the country in 2015 - such a proposal was put forward by the municipal deputy in the Babushkinsky district of Moscow, Alexei Lisovenko, which the general public learned about thanks to his post in Facebook networks.

The official called the trend towards the legalization of same-sex marriages "geyratization", compared it with the "color revolutions" held in the United States, allegedly hidden under the guise of democratic actions. Lisovenko believes that Roskomnadzor needs to provide more power to ensure that the flag of the LGBT community appears as rarely as possible or not at all on the pages of Internet resources, and sites or user accounts that refer to the attributes of sexual minorities in their own publications are immediately deleted and blocked without the possibility of restoring access.

culture

Flags began to be used long before mankind began to record the ongoing historical events. They symbolized various movements, peoples and even individuals. Every state in the world has its own flag, some are very strange, some are beautiful, others are boring.

Below is a list of ten flags that are unique in their kind.

10. Dannebrog

Flags first appeared in China and India and later spread around the world. Because flags have been around for so long, it's impossible to tell which flag came first. However, it has been proven that the Dannebrog is the oldest flag in the world that is still in use today.

Going back far into the 13th century, presumably from June 15, 1219, the Dannebrog is the national flag of Denmark and serves as inspiration for the design of the flags of other Scandinavian countries. Prior to its official adoption, the flag was mainly used in the Viking region and featured triangular edges. Austria also claims to have the world's oldest-originating flag, although their flag appears to date from 1230.

9. Flags - semaphores

Language is not just speech and movement. Flags - semaphores - is a system for transmitting information at a distance using visual signals through hand flags, rods, disks, and sometimes just with bare hands or gloved hands. The information is encoded by the position of the flag, but is read when the flag is in a fixed position.

Semaphores have been adopted and widely used in the maritime world since the early 1800s (manual flags have been replaced by so-called "mechanical arms"). Semaphore signals, for example, were used at the Battle of Trafalgar. This was the period when the modern naval semaphore system was invented, which used hand flags. It is still used for emergency communications during the day, but as for the night, in this case, illuminated sticks are used instead of flags.

8. Flag of Nepal

The flag of Nepal is the only non-rectangular flag in the world. The flag is a simplified combination of two separate pennants. Its crimson color is the color of the rhododendron, the country's national flower. Red is also a sign of victory in war, blue framing is the color of peace. Until 1962, the emblems of the flag (sun and crescent) had human faces.

In order to modernize the flag, the faces were decided to be removed. The faces remained on the royal standard until the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. The flag was adopted with the formation of a new constitutional government on December 16, 1962. Separate pennants were used in the two previous centuries, while the double pennant began to be used from the 19th century.

7. White flag of truce

The white flag is the internationally recognized protective sign of a truce, or a ceasefire and a request for negotiations. It is also used to signal surrender, so often the weaker military side comes forward with this flag to ask for negotiations.

The white flag indicates that the approaching negotiator is unarmed, in his intentions either to surrender or to start a dialogue. Persons holding a white flag in their hands may not open fire and may not be shot at. The use of the flag is included in the Geneva Convention.

6. Under the black flag

The black flag, and the color black as such, has been associated with anarchy since the 1880s. The names of many anarchist collectives contain the word "black". There were a number of recurring anarchist organizations called "Black Flag".

The uniform blackness of the flag signifies the rejection of all repressive structures, in contrast to the colorful flags that characterize most nation states. In addition, if the white flag is a universal symbol of surrender to superior force, then the black flag is a symbol of defiance.

5. Transgender Flag

We are all familiar with the rainbow flag of the gay movement, however, the flag of transgender people is less known in public circles. It was created in 2000, when the first parade of this minority took place in the American city of Phoenix (Arizona).

The designer of the flag was very clear on why the flag is the way it is: "Blue is traditionally masculine, pink is feminine, white in the middle symbolizes those in between, who feel like they have gender neutrality. The bottom line is, no matter whatever path you choose, it will always be the right one. It speaks to our efforts to find justice in our own lives."

4. Flag Jolly Roger

The Jolly Roger is the name given to any flag to identify the crew of a pirate ship. Today, the most recognizable Jolly Roger is the human skull perched above two crossed tubular bones. The whole composition is depicted on a black background.

This flag design has been used by several pirates, including Captain Edward England and John Taylor. Some Jolly Roger flags featured an hourglass, which was a symbol of death in 17th and 18th century Europe. Despite their cultural prominence, plain black flags were often used by most pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries.

3. Flag of West Africa

This unusual flag is often (and erroneously) attributed to the Benin Empire. This is one of four flags currently in the Greenwich National Maritime Museum near London. There is some uncertainty as to the exact origin of the flag, whether it came directly from Benin or was used by neighboring peoples.

The name "Kennedy" written on the paper label and attached to the flag seems to indicate that it was brought back to Admiral F. Kennedy in 1897 after the expedition against Benin, which may indicate that the flag is of Benin origin. . However, the flag is very similar to three other West African flags kept in the museum, which did not originate in Benin, but among neighboring peoples.

2. Flag of Mars

The flag of Mars is a tricolor representing the planet. Although it has no legal force, the flag has been approved by the Martian community and the planetary community. The flag is intended to depict the "future history" of Mars.

The red stripe closest to the mast symbolizes Mars today. Green and blue talk about the stages of a possible terraforming of Mars, that someday humanity will be able to complete this task, however, the ethics of terraforming the planet is still a matter of debate.

1. Nazi flag

The Nazi flag is probably the most controversial flag in human history. It is even banned today in a number of countries. The flag was designed by Hitler himself, who believed that it was necessary to use the colors of Kaiser's Germany, because in his opinion, "the use of these colors is our tribute and respect to the glorious past, which brought so much honor to the German nation."

"The most important requirement for a new flag is that it must prove its effectiveness, because there are hundreds of thousands of cases where a really worthwhile emblem can be the root cause of awakening interest in the movement."

When the venue for the 2018 World Cup was announced, there were immediate fears for the safety of LGBT fans who would go there to cheer for their team.

Authorities warned same-sex couples not to hold hands in public, a French couple was attacked at the start of a competition last month and an English fan was told to get rid of his rainbow flag during a match.

However, a group of six LGBT activists came up with a great idea how to openly demonstrate their solidarity without facing the wrath of the Russian authorities.

The Secret Flag group consists of four men and two women who wear colorful T-shirts in such a way that they form the famous rainbow flag of Gilbert Baker, a symbol of the LGBT community.

In Russia it’s illegal to display the LGBT pride flag. So during the #worldcup these 6 football fans have formed a hidden rainbow flag with their soccer jerseys, to protest Russia’s discriminatory laws in plain sight. #HiddenFlag✊🏳️‍🌈 pic.twitter.com/I6uvYztGlR

— Jason Ball (@jasonballau) July 9, 2018

​Jason Ball
It is illegal in Russia to display the proud LGBT flag. So during the #WorldCup, these 6 football fans formed a hidden rainbow flag with their football jerseys to protest Russia's discriminatory laws in plain sight. #HiddenFlag
Activists from Spain, the Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Colombia donned the jerseys of their home teams, gathered together and walked the Russian streets in front of the Russian police and the public.

“They asked me to join and I immediately agreed. I won’t lie, I was a bit scared,” said Spanish activist Marta Marquez, chairman of the LGBT families association GALEHI.

“This object brings together a number of my interests: activism, love of travel, my family (our daughter is half Russian). I decided to participate in it, despite the possible difficulties. I know it was right."

​RFE/RL
#LGBT activists from Spain, the Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Colombia are trolling the Russian #WorldCup by displaying the rainbow flag using their jerseys.

What color is on which team?

“I come from a very conservative family from a small town in Brazil, so my sister and I, who are also gay, had a difficult childhood at times. Therefore, I was happy to participate in the creation of our unexpected rainbow. I hope it touches the hearts of many people - it's a call to love."

If you want to learn more about the Secret Flag organization, you can visit their official website at .

As for the attitude of Russians towards LGBT people, according to a recent poll, 83% of Russians consider homosexual relationships “deserving of condemnation.”

In 2013, Vladimir Putin signed a law against propaganda of "non-traditional" relationships among minors.

The materials of InoSMI contain only assessments of foreign media and do not reflect the position of the editors of InoSMI.

Now in many countries the movement of homosexuals is gaining momentum. Therefore, it is logical that many men who identify themselves as gay want to decorate their bodies with tattoos that are understandable only to their fellow men. There are no typical tattoos denoting belonging to a particular sexual minority. However, knowing a few details, it is easy to understand which sketches should be chosen by gays.

LGBT movement. History of occurrence

Traditionally, it was the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender movement that gave impetus to the new fashion for special tattoos. The society itself emerged as an active public organization capable of supporting the rights and interests of sexual minorities. In addition, this society pursues two seemingly different goals. First of all, the LGBT movement advocates the allocation of its members to a separate group that is not treated by society. On the other hand, it is this public organization that pursues the global goal of joining sexual minorities to other citizens.

Gay arm tattoos

However, the purpose of the movement can sometimes differ depending on the time and country of residence. For example, in the past, the movement in Germany opposed marriage in general. Also, gays believed that they should not undergo military service. However, by the 21st century, the opinion of most LGBT units came down to the need to legalize same-sex marriages and make service in the armed forces accessible to everyone. Gay tattoos, whose meaning is in their belonging to the movement, also use the symbolism adopted by the described community.

An example of gay tattoos on the chest

What is the LGBT community looking for?

The main question of any representative of sexual minorities who has not yet joined the ranks of the community is precisely this one: what have they already achieved and what else do representatives of the LGBT movement want? The most frequently cited requirement is to legalize same-sex marriage and allow adoption. Thanks to the active support of the movement, marriage of people of the same sex has already been legalized in a number of countries. Also, the movement for the rights of sexual minorities requires observance of all general civil rights for gays, lesbians, etc.

Did you know? Russian legislation does not directly specify the gender of the person who can adopt a child. This right can be enjoyed by both married couples and an individual citizen. However, often only registered couples can accept a child into a family. Therefore, at present, same-sex couples do not have the opportunity to have a child. A tattoo of gays, whose photos are on the Internet, may also contain a call for the observance of the rights and freedoms of a citizen.

Gay tattoo in the form of an inscription on the arm

Symbolism of the LGBT movement

As mentioned above, the signs chosen by this community often serve as the basis for the tattoos of gays, lesbians and other sexual minorities. Such symbolism allows the participants in the movement to define their own, emphasizes the commonality of interests, and also symbolizes unity and openness to society. Traditional LGBT signs include:

• Triangle of certain colors. Usually use pink and black shades. This is due to the fact that in the fascist camps, prisoners leading an intimate life with representatives of their own sex were identified with precisely such signs. At the same time, gays use pink, and lesbians use black. It is also worth noting that the triangle is most often depicted upside down, that is, with the top down. The choice of pink for gays is logical. This is due to the fact that the color itself is traditionally considered the choice of girls, so the ratio of a man and pink emphasizes his femininity and belonging to sexual minorities;
• Lambda. The Greek letter in its lowercase version has been officially recognized as a symbol of the gay movement in many countries. A gay tattoo, the sketch of which contains this sign, speaks of a penchant for advocacy. Experts differ in opinion when they decide why this particular letter was chosen. For example, according to one version, the meaning of this symbol is associated with hidden potential, which emphasizes the LGBT community, emphasizing its great future. According to another version, in ancient times, lambda was used as a symbol of equilibrium and balance. So the described community strives to equalize sexual minorities with other citizens, trying to achieve rights and freedoms;
• Ax with two blades. This symbol, also called the labrys, is less known to the public. Although it is currently one of the main tattoo options for lesbians. First of all, this tool emphasizes independence and the ability to stand up for oneself, on the other hand, it was considered a symbol of the goddess Demeter, whose rituals often included lesbian motifs.

Gay with many tattoos on his arm

The main varieties of gay tattoos

Variants of tattoos used by gay men include:

• The use of symbols of the LGBT movement, which are described above;
• Using the colors of the rainbow flag in any image;
• Tattoos taken from places of detention.

The last point is typical for the Russian community, in which people who prefer same-sex love, who ended up in places not so remote, are branded with special tattoos.

Gay with partak tattoos on his body

A tattoo that reveals your sexual identity can be used both openly and in less visible places. My tattoo is visible to everyone, but I just used the colors of the rainbow flag to represent the stars. Therefore, not everyone understands what it is about. Otherwise, those who do not consider gay people would obviously not give me a pass.

Mikhail, Moscow.

Tattoo inscription on the arm of a gay

Rainbow flag as the base of the tattoo

The rainbow flag is also the flag of freedom. It takes its name from the arrangement of the stripes. They have the colors of the rainbow in the same order. Used as the official symbols of the LGBT community.

Did you know? This flag was designed in 1978 for the parade, which was performed by representatives of the gay community. It is considered a symbol of openness and freedom.

Gay with four angle tattoos

As a basis for a tattoo, stripes of different colors, repeating the arrangement of shades on the flag, and other images can be used. Often they use a small tattoo behind the ear, in the form of six multi-colored dots.

I recently got a tattoo emphasizing my “blueness”. Openly wearing a sign of my orientation on your body is difficult, especially in our country. Therefore, I recommend that you first think hard about the sketch. In my case, it's just a lambda sign applied to the crook of the elbow.

Eugene, Kaliningrad.

Video: what are gay tattoos