Same Sex Marriage Symbols
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Same Sex Marriage Symbols: A Guide to the History and Meaning of LGBT Icons
Same sex marriage is the legal recognition of the union of two people of the same sex. It is also known as gay marriage or marriage equality. As of 2023, same sex marriage is legal in 34 countries, representing about 17% of the world's population. [^2^]
Over the course of history, the LGBT community has adopted certain symbols for self-identification, pride, solidarity, and visibility. These symbols communicate ideas, concepts, and identity both within their communities and to mainstream culture. Some of the most recognized symbols are the pink triangle, the rainbow flag, and the interlocking gender symbols. [^1^]
The Pink Triangle
The pink triangle was originally used by the Nazis to identify homosexual men in concentration camps during World War II. It was a symbol of persecution and oppression. After the war, some gay activists reclaimed the pink triangle as a sign of defiance and resistance against homophobia and discrimination. It became a symbol of gay liberation and empowerment in the 1970s and 1980s. [^1^]
The Rainbow Flag
The rainbow flag was designed by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978 for the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. He was inspired by the diversity of colors in nature and the symbolism of rainbows as a sign of hope and peace. The original flag had eight colors, each with a meaning: hot pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for magic/art, indigo for serenity/harmony, and violet for spirit. Later versions reduced the number of colors to six or seven due to availability of fabric. The rainbow flag is now widely used as a symbol of LGBT pride and diversity around the world. [^1^]
The Interlocking Gender Symbols
The interlocking gender symbols are derived from the astronomical symbols for the planets Venus and Mars, which represent the female and male sexes respectively. Two interlocking female symbols (â) represent a lesbian or the lesbian community, and two interlocking male symbols (â) represent a gay male or the gay male community. These symbols first appeared in the 1970s. [^1^] The combined male-female symbol (â) is used to represent androgyne or transgender people; and when additionally combined with the female (â) and male (â) symbols (â) it indicates gender inclusivity or transgender rights. [^3^] [^4^]
Other Symbols
There are many other symbols that have been used by various LGBT groups and individuals over time. Some examples are:
The labrys: a double-headed axe that was used by ancient female warriors and priestesses. It symbolizes lesbian strength and independence.
The green carnation: a flower that was worn by gay author Oscar Wilde and his followers in 19th-century England. It signifies homosexual affiliations and artistic expression.
The white knot: a symbol of support for same sex marriage in the United States. It combines two symbols of marriage, the color white and \"tying the knot\".
The lambda: a Greek letter that stands for \"a complete exchange of energy\". It was chosen by the New York chapter of the Gay Activists Alliance in 1970 as a symbol of gay liberation and activism.
These symbols are not exclusive or definitive, but rather reflect the diversity and creativity of the LGBT community. They can be used to express one's identity, beliefs, values, and aspirations. aa16f39245