Pride: Inclusion!

Introduction:

One of the aspects of our gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) achievements is the inclusive (total) nature of our acceptance and embracing of all the multitudes of persons identifying with our movement. Despite the recent political trends towards separation and exclusion – such as the protective wall needed by our former so-called leader between the borders of Mexico and the USA – we, the communities and cultures observing this traditional GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month strive to meet our goal of diversity and union for all.

Background:

Since the very first modern pride month celebration following one year after the 1969 Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR) in 1970, the fledgling gay, lesbian and bisexual community sought a representative device for identification. A logo or symbol to denote itself and the communities affiliated. It wasn’t until 1978 that the “Rainbow Flag” – six colourful stripes – was introduced and became the first unofficial then soon the official for this growing culture.

Tragically and unfortunately, the HIV/AIDS crisis and pandemic spearheaded this effort towards recognition and identification with the Rainbow Flag. This colourful banner rapidly gained international acceptance to distinguish the and culture of GLBTQ+ people globally. The United Nations (UN) adopted the Rainbow Flag as symbolic of the worldwide movement towards equality and freedom. This action bestowed a legitimacy upon the populations struggling for fairness and justice.

The Progress Rainbow Flag!

The Progress Rainbow Pride Flag was developed by non-binary artist and designer Daniel Quasar in 2018, forty years after the first appearance of the original Rainbow Flag. It was unfurled publicly on June 6, 2018, and incorporated the original Gilbert Baker’s 1978 flag. Quasar’s redesign celebrates the historical message and ideals/values of the GLBTQ+ culture and encourages a more inclusive general society for all people.

The redesigned banner has increased the visual representation of discriminated minorities identities covered by GLBTQ+ umbrella. Quasar’s creation added both black and brown stripes – symbolizing persons of colour – and light blue, pink and white stripes for transgender and non-binary persons, in the shape of an arrow on the left of the original rainbow on the Progress Pride Rainbow Flag. In the words of Daniel Quasar:

“…the arrow points to the right to show forward movement and illustrates that progress towards inclusivity still needs to continue.”

The black stripe has a double meaning as it is also intended for “those living with HIV/AIDS and the stigma and the prejudice surrounding them and those who have been lost to the disease.”

On June 6, 2018, Progress Rainbow Pride Flag was first unfurled for the world in honour of GLBTQ+ are Pride Month.

Progress Rainbow Pride Flag is now being used throughout the world as the official emblem and symbol for the GLBTQ+ community and culture. It is the latest design as our movement seeks to solidify and unite our peoples together for equality and justice for everyone!

Happy 2023 GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 16, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Beach Pride!”