Queer iconography once included pink and black triangles-re-appropriated by the LGBT community after the Nazis used them to label gay men and lesbians in concentration camps-and the labrys-a double-headed ax associated with the mythological, matriarchal Amazons. Here are the highlights of what I learned about this colorful, often-changing symbol. Where did the so-called “pride” flag come from anyway? I went on a research journey to find out, exploring works of fiction, newspaper articles, autobiographies, political parties, rock bands, a certain Technicolor movie, and more. Miscellaneous objects from the museum’s collection that feature rainbows, including “That’s So Gay!” trivia game, coasters, and flags promoting marriage equality and immigration equality can you? Well, it turns out that the rainbow as a symbol has appeared in many places and in many forms over the past century. Apart from failing to recognize the intersectional interests of queer and trans people of color, critics invoked the rainbow flag as something constant and abiding.
Many rejected the alteration of such a supposedly sacred symbol. In 2017, in response to a slew of racist incidents in the Gayborhood, Philadelphia added black and brown stripes to the traditional six-color LGBT rainbow flag.
