Just… yes. Yes to all of this. Also I had no idea of the history of the design and I love that nature is represented. The rainbow in nature - sunlight through rain - always seemed a very appropriate symbol.
So well said!!! Beautifully written & hits the nail squarely on the head. We are seeing this in so much activism these days - the well-meaning abortion bill going through parliament at the moment will achieve very little change, as we are already in a very good place except for extremely rare circumstances, but it will galvanise the far right & ultimately harm the women it’s aiming to protect. We need to move the discourse on these complex issue away from a focus difference & polarisation & towards inclusivity & acceptance. You do this perfectly in this post. Bravo!!! 👏
A brilliantly informative post, thank you for putting it together JP. When I read pieces like this I’m thankful for the education, as I still feel sometimes that I’m quite naive about our history. I’ve definitely not learned about the different iterations of the flag enough.
Growing up in rural Liverpool in the 90s, homophobia was still very commonplace. Heck, I was even referred to as a fudgepacker by my own parents. So, the elusive rainbow flag always used to feel like a beacon of acceptance to me. ‘You’re safe and welcome here’.
Reading your post reminded me of how much history and intention is packed into something I’ve perhaps mostly taken for granted.
Apologies for the rambles 😅 I guess what I’m trying to say is, I do appreciate you sharing your story and perspective. It makes me feel even more grateful for all the people who came before me, who have made it possible for me to see that flag and feel safe.
Isn’t it sad that you felt you’d be pilloried for writing this, JP? Everyone’s entitled to their thoughts and opinions and it’s also fine that they might be the complete opposite to, say, your neighbour’s. I think where it’s gone so very wrong of late is that people conflate opinion and belief with certainty. This was fascinating to read and the thought behind the original flag is wonderful and doesn’t need to be altered.
Yes Moira! Everyone thinks they’re right. This is just my opinion and I am in no way, as was written in a previous comment, telling anyone how to think. It’s the very reason I left the comments open, so everyone could type their point of view.
Very interesting read, with the history and meaning behind the flag. I must admit to not knowing of the later versions. Your present a very well reasoned stance for your view and I agree we need to be more looking at what we all have in common than getting into what we don’t.
Thank you JP for sharing that information. As a heterosexual female it’s enlightening, in life if you are a decent citizen that’s ok with me, regardless of where on the flag you are.
Anyway where I work. tomorrow we are encouraged to wear something colourful, we’re having a presentation from a colleague about Pride and what it means to him, raise awareness, show support, and raise some funds for Stonewall.
JP, this is fascinating and beautifully articulated, but my overwhelming response is that I am so sad you (and so many others) had such a long journey to acceptance - at times I despair of the polarity and opinions which divide us. I think you are brave and altogether wonderful, and how lucky we are to have you! xx
This was a great explanation which was very well written. I remember the original flag and am sorry to say I hadn’t noticed the changes. I agree totally instead of including everybody it now causes upset to those not shown.
Revert to the original and be proud of it whoever you are. X
JP this was enlightening and educational so I applaud you and your bravery. I find it so sad that our world is descending into such chaos and hatred for often no reason other than differences of opinion what have we come to! Bless you x
Beautifully said, JP. I've learned a lot, once again, because you've explained it so well. I had no idea about the history of the flag but I agree that the simplicity of the original design spoke to all "colours" of the rainbow. But, apparently not, as is evident in the need for a new design. Love that you stick your head above the parapet and dare to voice it. The way the world is heading at the moment and the psychopath-narcissists that are in power we need to choose love over hate with every breath we take. Bravo. 🌈
It does speak for everyone, but the issue is that certain groups issues sometimes need to be heard and awareness increased. I just don’t think the flag needs to change to achieve this.
❤️🏳️🌈 Your thoughts make total sense to me. On a broader note, let’s just treat every person with dignity, no matter what their skin colour, race, sexual orientation, beliefs or gender, (or anything else). Give someone the job because they have the best skills for it, not so you can meet a ‘target’. Calling out the differences and treating people differently (even with good intent) just exacerbates discrimination x
Very enlightening, and I have to say I completely agree with you! Why in life do we always have to over complicate everything. Yes, let’s get back to the original ‘ALL INCLUSIVE’ flag, as a straight person I can identify the flag and what it represents to all humanity - I hadn’t even realised it had evolved from the original 😂
Just… yes. Yes to all of this. Also I had no idea of the history of the design and I love that nature is represented. The rainbow in nature - sunlight through rain - always seemed a very appropriate symbol.
Thank you Lucy. It’s all that was ever needed.
So well said!!! Beautifully written & hits the nail squarely on the head. We are seeing this in so much activism these days - the well-meaning abortion bill going through parliament at the moment will achieve very little change, as we are already in a very good place except for extremely rare circumstances, but it will galvanise the far right & ultimately harm the women it’s aiming to protect. We need to move the discourse on these complex issue away from a focus difference & polarisation & towards inclusivity & acceptance. You do this perfectly in this post. Bravo!!! 👏
It think the whole world could do with moving the “focus from difference & polarisation…towards inclusivity & acceptance” Fiona.
I completely agree with this - I think overreach/moving too fast is playing into the hands of the extreme right.
A brilliantly informative post, thank you for putting it together JP. When I read pieces like this I’m thankful for the education, as I still feel sometimes that I’m quite naive about our history. I’ve definitely not learned about the different iterations of the flag enough.
Growing up in rural Liverpool in the 90s, homophobia was still very commonplace. Heck, I was even referred to as a fudgepacker by my own parents. So, the elusive rainbow flag always used to feel like a beacon of acceptance to me. ‘You’re safe and welcome here’.
Reading your post reminded me of how much history and intention is packed into something I’ve perhaps mostly taken for granted.
Apologies for the rambles 😅 I guess what I’m trying to say is, I do appreciate you sharing your story and perspective. It makes me feel even more grateful for all the people who came before me, who have made it possible for me to see that flag and feel safe.
Mark thank you for sharing your experience. Happy Pride.
Isn’t it sad that you felt you’d be pilloried for writing this, JP? Everyone’s entitled to their thoughts and opinions and it’s also fine that they might be the complete opposite to, say, your neighbour’s. I think where it’s gone so very wrong of late is that people conflate opinion and belief with certainty. This was fascinating to read and the thought behind the original flag is wonderful and doesn’t need to be altered.
Yes Moira! Everyone thinks they’re right. This is just my opinion and I am in no way, as was written in a previous comment, telling anyone how to think. It’s the very reason I left the comments open, so everyone could type their point of view.
You’re a very decent sort, JP.
Sexuality
Life
Healing
Sunshine
Nature
Magic Art
Serenity Harmony
Spirit
Perfect!
Indeed Susan. 🏳️🌈
Very interesting read, with the history and meaning behind the flag. I must admit to not knowing of the later versions. Your present a very well reasoned stance for your view and I agree we need to be more looking at what we all have in common than getting into what we don’t.
Totally. There’s enough fighting in the world, it’s time for us all to come together.
That was really interesting to find out the history of the flag 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
Thank you my friend. X
I had no idea about any of this. Fascinating piece- especially the bit about the pink fabric being in short supply!
That’s such a fabulous little historical gem isn’t it. Thank you Farrah.
Thank you JP for sharing that information. As a heterosexual female it’s enlightening, in life if you are a decent citizen that’s ok with me, regardless of where on the flag you are.
Anyway where I work. tomorrow we are encouraged to wear something colourful, we’re having a presentation from a colleague about Pride and what it means to him, raise awareness, show support, and raise some funds for Stonewall.
That’s wonderful. I hope it’s a great day. X
JP, this is fascinating and beautifully articulated, but my overwhelming response is that I am so sad you (and so many others) had such a long journey to acceptance - at times I despair of the polarity and opinions which divide us. I think you are brave and altogether wonderful, and how lucky we are to have you! xx
Natasha thank you for such kind words. Xx
This was a great explanation which was very well written. I remember the original flag and am sorry to say I hadn’t noticed the changes. I agree totally instead of including everybody it now causes upset to those not shown.
Revert to the original and be proud of it whoever you are. X
JP this was enlightening and educational so I applaud you and your bravery. I find it so sad that our world is descending into such chaos and hatred for often no reason other than differences of opinion what have we come to! Bless you x
Beautifully said, JP. I've learned a lot, once again, because you've explained it so well. I had no idea about the history of the flag but I agree that the simplicity of the original design spoke to all "colours" of the rainbow. But, apparently not, as is evident in the need for a new design. Love that you stick your head above the parapet and dare to voice it. The way the world is heading at the moment and the psychopath-narcissists that are in power we need to choose love over hate with every breath we take. Bravo. 🌈
Huge love,
Frannyx
It does speak for everyone, but the issue is that certain groups issues sometimes need to be heard and awareness increased. I just don’t think the flag needs to change to achieve this.
❤️🏳️🌈 Your thoughts make total sense to me. On a broader note, let’s just treat every person with dignity, no matter what their skin colour, race, sexual orientation, beliefs or gender, (or anything else). Give someone the job because they have the best skills for it, not so you can meet a ‘target’. Calling out the differences and treating people differently (even with good intent) just exacerbates discrimination x
I agree.
Very enlightening, and I have to say I completely agree with you! Why in life do we always have to over complicate everything. Yes, let’s get back to the original ‘ALL INCLUSIVE’ flag, as a straight person I can identify the flag and what it represents to all humanity - I hadn’t even realised it had evolved from the original 😂
Every day is a school day. X
Informative, as usual, JP. You can come out of hiding.
🤣🤣