Changing the Rainbow Flag: A Colourful Cop-Out

By Opinion Editor 5 years ago

Two new colours won’t remedy the problem.

Earlier this year, Manchester Pride – one of the largest pride festivals in the UK – revealed their revamped flag for 2019. In addition to the colours of the rainbow traditionally used to represent the LGBT community, Manchester’s flag includes two new colours hovering over them: black and brown. The chief executive of the event, Mark Fletcher, stated that ethnic minorities in the LGBT community still have ‘a long way to go’ to be fully recognised and that the additional stripes are a part of a concerted effort to highlight their importance and continued underrepresentation. 

These observations will hardly come as a surprise to anyone with even the most elementary experience with the gay community. As reported by Stonewall, over half of all black, Asian and ethnic minority people in Britain have reported negative treatment or discrimination in the LGBT network simply because of their ethnicity. The problem has become so bad that the app Grindr – hardly known as a bastion of morality and virtue – had to release a campaign specifically to stamp out racist bullying and other forms of ‘toxic behaviour’ from its users. 

Photo: Flickr

In this context, it is admirable that Manchester Pride is making a concerted effort to address racism and the continued underrepresentation of ethnic minorities in the LGBT community. However, I cannot help but feel like the additional colours on Manchester’s pride flag amount to a well-intended but nonetheless misplaced idea. This is not due to aesthetic reasons (although having black and brown stripes stuck on at the top of the flag does clash horribly with the other colours). It is that, if simply adding new colours to the flag amounts to a real and tangible effort to address discrimination in the LGBT community, then surely having black and brown stripes is no way near enough.

The fact is gay people are often not nice to each other for a number of reasons. While racism is undoubtedly one of these factors, there are many others too. In a survey of 3000 among retired and non-retired LGBT individuals, 77% reported that the community was ageist, with 43% saying it was ‘totally’ ageist at that. Overweight people suffer similar prejudice, receiving bullying and fat-shaming which makes some feel like ‘outcasts within the gay community’. And if you’re a stereotypically ‘feminine’ gay man? As highlighted in a 2016 European study, a third of ‘straight acting’ gay men believe that feminine gay men give the community a bad reputation, seemingly oblivious to the damage to the reputation of the LGBT community their own attitudes may cause. 

Photo: Flickr

Now, I am not trying to say that gay people are inherently nasty or prejudiced. But it cannot be denied that dominant attitudes within the LGBT community are often hostile to the very individuals within it, whether it is due to race, body type, age or gender expression. If changing the rainbow flag to represent these groups constitutes a progressive movement in addressing these issues, then why stop with just two stripes? Surely, we should add a range of new colours to reflect this needed change.

The logical conclusion of this line of thinking, however, is not only impractical, but has the potential to be counter-productive. What should represent overweight people? A slightly wider stripe? And what about feminine gay men? A flimsy pink one?

Clearly, trying to represent the number of discriminated groups in the LGBT community leads to a minefield of offensive sub-categorisations and so many changes that the rainbow flag may cease to be a rainbow at all. Rather than trying to change the pride flag, I believe that it would be far better to reflect the values that the rainbow flag embodies itself. 

Photo: Flickr

Designed in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, each colour of the rainbow flag represents a particular value or quality. Red for life, orange for healing, indigo for harmony, violet for spirit, and so on. These colours do not separate people in terms of crude physical characteristics. Instead, they demonstrate everything the gay community should be – inclusive, diverse and unapologetically celebratory. If we embodied these values, then perhaps we might start being a little kinder to each other. Perhaps we could successfully address the very real grievances behind calls for greater representation, so that future generations would not experience the bullying and discrimination from our own that too many gay people go through. 

Adding black and brown stripes to the rainbow flag is a well-intentioned idea. But in order to see real change in the LGBT community rather than pay lip-service to racism and prejudice, we need to embody the values of the existing flag, values that transcend race, size, age and gender expression. If we want to change the LGBT community for the better, it does not start with changing the rainbow. It starts with changing ourselves.   

Comments

comments

Tags: , ,

340 thoughts on “Changing the Rainbow Flag: A Colourful Cop-Out”

  28. Pingback: joker gaming

  33. PBN sites
    We establish a system of self-owned blog network sites!

    Pros of our private blog network:

    We perform everything SO THAT google DOES NOT grasp that this A private blog network!!!

    1- We purchase domain names from different registrars

    2- The main site is hosted on a VPS hosting (VPS is high-speed hosting)

    3- The remaining sites are on various hostings

    4- We attribute a separate Google profile to each site with confirmation in Search Console.

    5- We make websites on WordPress, we don’t utilize plugins with assisted by which malware penetrate and through which pages on your websites are created.

    6- We never duplicate templates and employ only exclusive text and pictures

    We do not work with website design; the client, if wished, can then edit the websites to suit his wishes

    Reply

  36. Hello there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you
    using for this site? I’m getting fed up of WordPress
    because I’ve had problems with hackers and
    I’m looking at options for another platform. I would
    be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

    Reply

  44. Excellent pieces. Keep writing such kind of information on your
    site. Im really impressed by it.
    Hi there, You’ve done an incredible job. I will definitely digg it
    and for my part recommend to my friends. I’m sure they’ll be benefited
    from this website.

    Reply

  45. Simply desire to say your article is as astounding. The clarity for your publish is just spectacular and that i could suppose you’re knowledgeable in this subject.
    Fine with your permission allow me to clutch your feed to
    keep up to date with approaching post. Thank you a million and please carry on the gratifying work.

    Reply
  69. Pingback: uk job opportunities
  72. Pingback: amsterdam jobs
  73. Pingback: europa jobs central

  144. 프라그마틱 게임은 iGaming 분야에서 선도적인 콘텐츠 제공 업체로 꼽힙니다. 모바일 중심의 다양한 포트폴리오와 최상급 엔터테인먼트를 선보입니다.
    프라그마틱플레이

    프라그마틱 슬롯에 대한 설명 감사합니다! 또한, 제 사이트에서도 프라그마틱과 관련된 정보를 얻을 수 있어요. 함께 이야기 나누면서 더 많은 지식을 얻어가요!

    https://www.12315pc.cn/
    https://www.12315ev.cn/
    https://www.12315ql.cn/

    Reply

  164. casibom güncel
    Nihai Zamanın En Büyük Popüler Casino Platformu: Casibom

    Bahis oyunlarını sevenlerin artık duymuş olduğu Casibom, son dönemde adından sıkça söz ettiren bir iddia ve kumarhane web sitesi haline geldi. Ülkemizdeki en başarılı casino platformlardan biri olarak tanınan Casibom’un haftalık olarak cinsinden değişen giriş adresi, piyasada oldukça taze olmasına rağmen itimat edilir ve kazanç sağlayan bir platform olarak tanınıyor.

    Casibom, rakiplerini geride kalarak eski casino sitelerinin geride bırakmayı başarılı oluyor. Bu alanda köklü olmak önemli olsa da, oyunculardan iletişimde bulunmak ve onlara erişmek da aynı kadar önemli. Bu durumda, Casibom’un 7/24 hizmet veren canlı olarak destek ekibi ile rahatça iletişime geçilebilir olması büyük bir avantaj getiriyor.

    Hızlıca artan katılımcı kitlesi ile dikkat çeken Casibom’un arkasındaki başarım faktörleri arasında, sadece kumarhane ve canlı olarak casino oyunlarına sınırlı olmayan kapsamlı bir hizmet yelpazesi bulunuyor. Spor bahislerinde sunduğu geniş seçenekler ve yüksek oranlar, oyuncuları cezbetmeyi başarmayı sürdürüyor.

    Ayrıca, hem sporcular bahisleri hem de kumarhane oyunları katılımcılara yönelik sunulan yüksek yüzdeli avantajlı promosyonlar da dikkat çekiyor. Bu nedenle, Casibom hızla piyasada iyi bir tanıtım başarısı elde ediyor ve önemli bir oyuncu kitlesi kazanıyor.

    Casibom’un kar getiren bonusları ve ünlülüğü ile birlikte, siteye abonelik ne şekilde sağlanır sorusuna da atıfta bulunmak elzemdir. Casibom’a hareketli cihazlarınızdan, bilgisayarlarınızdan veya tabletlerinizden internet tarayıcı üzerinden kolaylıkla ulaşılabilir. Ayrıca, web sitesinin mobil uyumlu olması da önemli bir fayda sağlıyor, çünkü artık hemen hemen herkesin bir akıllı telefonu var ve bu telefonlar üzerinden kolayca erişim sağlanabiliyor.

    Taşınabilir cep telefonlarınızla bile yolda canlı bahisler alabilir ve maçları canlı olarak izleyebilirsiniz. Ayrıca, Casibom’un mobil uyumlu olması, ülkemizde kumarhane ve kumarhane gibi yerlerin kanuni olarak kapatılmasıyla birlikte bu tür platformlara erişimin büyük bir yolunu oluşturuyor.

    Casibom’un güvenilir bir bahis platformu olması da önemlidir bir fayda sağlıyor. Belgeli bir platform olan Casibom, kesintisiz bir şekilde eğlence ve kazanç elde etme imkanı sunar.

    Casibom’a üye olmak da son derece kolaydır. Herhangi bir belge gereksinimi olmadan ve ücret ödemeden web sitesine kolayca üye olabilirsiniz. Ayrıca, site üzerinde para yatırma ve çekme işlemleri için de birçok farklı yöntem vardır ve herhangi bir kesim ücreti isteseniz de alınmaz.

    Ancak, Casibom’un güncel giriş adresini takip etmek de elzemdir. Çünkü canlı bahis ve kumarhane platformlar moda olduğu için sahte web siteleri ve dolandırıcılar da görünmektedir. Bu nedenle, Casibom’un sosyal medya hesaplarını ve güncel giriş adresini düzenli olarak kontrol etmek önemlidir.

    Sonuç, Casibom hem emin hem de kazandıran bir bahis web sitesi olarak dikkat çekiyor. yüksek bonusları, geniş oyun alternatifleri ve kullanıcı dostu mobil uygulaması ile Casibom, casino sevenler için ideal bir platform sunuyor.

    Reply

  184. You could definitely see your enthusiasm in the work you write.
    The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not
    afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.

    Reply

  193. 로드스탁과 레버리지 방식의 스탁: 투자의 새로운 지평

    로드스탁에서 제공되는 레버리지 스탁은 주식 투자법의 한 방식으로, 큰 이익율을 목표로 하는 투자자들을 위해 매혹적인 선택입니다. 레버리지 사용을 사용하는 이 방법은 투자자들이 자신의 투자금을 넘어서는 금액을 투입할 수 있도록 함으로써, 주식 시장에서 훨씬 큰 작용을 행사할 수 있는 기회를 줍니다.

    레버리지 스탁의 원리
    레버리지 스탁은 기본적으로 자금을 차입하여 사용하는 방식입니다. 예시를 들어, 100만 원의 투자금으로 1,000만 원 상당의 주식을 사들일 수 있는데, 이는 투자자가 기본적인 자본보다 훨씬 더욱 많은 주식을 사들여, 주식 가격이 상승할 경우 해당하는 더 큰 이익을 얻을 수 있게 합니다. 하지만, 증권 값이 내려갈 경우에는 그 손해 또한 증가할 수 있으므로, 레버리지를 사용할 때는 신중하게 생각해야 합니다.

    투자 계획과 레버리지
    레버리지는 특히 성장 잠재력이 상당한 사업체에 투입할 때 도움이 됩니다. 이러한 사업체에 높은 비율을 통해 투자하면, 잘 될 경우 상당한 이익을 얻을 수 있지만, 반대의 경우 많은 리스크도 감수하게 됩니다. 따라서, 투자하는 사람은 자신의 위험 관리 능력과 상장 분석을 통해, 일정한 기업에 얼마만큼의 자본을 적용할지 결정하게 됩니다 합니다.

    레버리지의 장점과 위험성
    레버리지 방식의 스탁은 높은 수익을 제공하지만, 그만큼 상당한 위험도 따릅니다. 주식 시장의 변화는 추정이 힘들기 때문에, 레버리지 사용을 이용할 때는 항상 장터 동향을 세심하게 관찰하고, 피해를 최소로 줄일 수 있는 방법을 마련해야 합니다.

    결론: 조심스러운 선택이 필요
    로드스탁에서 제공된 레버리지 스탁은 막강한 투자 도구이며, 적당히 활용하면 많은 수익을 벌어들일 수 있습니다. 하지만 큰 위험성도 신경 써야 하며, 투자 결정이 충분히 많은 사실과 세심한 생각 후에 이루어져야 합니다. 투자하는 사람의 재정적 상태, 리스크 감수 능력, 그리고 시장의 상황을 고려한 안정된 투자 방법이 핵심입니다.

    Reply

  225. Productive Links in Blogs and Comments: Improve Your SEO
    Backlinks are crucial for increasing search engine rankings and increasing web site visibility. By incorporating backlinks into blogs and remarks smartly, they can considerably boost visitors and SEO efficiency.

    Adhering to Search Engine Algorithms
    Today’s backlink positioning tactics are finely adjusted to align with search engine algorithms, which now emphasize link high quality and relevance. This guarantees that backlinks are not just numerous but significant, directing consumers to helpful and pertinent articles. Site owners should focus on integrating backlinks that are contextually appropriate and improve the overall articles high quality.

    Benefits of Making use of Refreshing Contributor Bases
    Using up-to-date contributor bases for backlinks, like those maintained by Alex, provides significant advantages. These bases are regularly renewed and consist of unmoderated websites that don’t pull in complaints, ensuring the links positioned are both powerful and certified. This approach assists in maintaining the usefulness of hyperlinks without the risks associated with moderated or problematic resources.

    Only Approved Resources
    All donor sites used are approved, steering clear of legal pitfalls and conforming to digital marketing criteria. This dedication to making use of only approved resources assures that each backlink is legitimate and reliable, thereby developing trustworthiness and dependability in your digital presence.

    SEO Impact
    Skillfully placed backlinks in blogs and comments provide over just SEO rewards—they improve user experience by linking to relevant and high-quality content. This technique not only fulfills search engine requirements but also entails end users, leading to better targeted traffic and improved online proposal.

    In essence, the right backlink strategy, especially one that employs clean and dependable donor bases like Alex’s, can alter your SEO efforts. By concentrating on quality over volume and sticking to the latest requirements, you can guarantee your backlinks are both effective and productive.

    Reply

  290. Great website you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics talked about here?

    I’d really love to be a part of online community where I can get
    advice from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest.
    If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Kudos!

    Reply

  300. Backlink pyramid
    Sure, here’s the text with spin syntax applied:

    Backlink Hierarchy

    After many updates to the G search engine, it is vital to apply different strategies for ranking.

    Today there is a means to capture the interest of search engines to your site with the aid of incoming links.

    Links are not only an powerful marketing instrument but they also have authentic traffic, straight sales from these sources perhaps will not be, but visits will be, and it is advantageous visitors that we also receive.

    What in the end we get at the final outcome:

    We display search engines site through links.
    Prluuchayut natural click-throughs to the site and it is also a indicator to search engines that the resource is used by users.
    How we show search engines that the site is valuable:

    Backlinks do to the main page where the main information.
    We make links through redirections reputable sites.
    The most IMPORTANT we place the site on sites analyzers individual tool, the site goes into the memory of these analyzers, then the obtained links we place as redirects on blogs, discussion boards, comments. This important action shows search engines the MAP OF THE SITE as analyzer sites display all information about sites with all keywords and headlines and it is very GOOD.
    All information about our services is on the website!

    Reply

  315. Creating exclusive articles on Medium and Platform, why it is vital:
    Created article on these resources is better ranked on less common queries, which is very crucial to get natural traffic.
    We get:

    organic traffic from search engines.
    natural traffic from the internal rendition of the medium.
    The site to which the article refers gets a link that is valuable and increases the ranking of the site to which the article refers.
    Articles can be made in any number and choose all less frequent queries on your topic.
    Medium pages are indexed by search algorithms very well.
    Telegraph pages need to be indexed individually indexer and at the same time after indexing they sometimes occupy places higher in the search engines than the medium, these two platforms are very useful for getting visitors.
    Here is a URL to our offerings where we present creation, indexing of sites, articles, pages and more.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

THE STAND