10 most popular symbols of lesbians

Symbols existed at all times and in all cultures. Nowadays, a lot of subcultures have spread and developed as well. The homosexual subculture has also its own symbols with certain meanings.

Some of them were invented these days. The origin of others roots in ancient times and often associated with tragedies. In fact, some cultures accepted and encouraged homosexualism. However there were such countries where homosexuals were persecuted. Thousands of gays were exterminated by Nazi regime. In fact, these symbols are the part of history and exist to remind us of those who died in fight for their rights. Today we can proudly say that this fight wasnt useless. There are lots of organizations which protect and support homo- and bisexual people in different countries. The society became more tolerant to them. Thats why its important to commemorate persons, who have direct ratio to it.

Symbols represented in the following are popular all over the world and recognizable by both homosexuals and naturals.

1. Black triangle

The black triangle is one of the most popular lesbian symbols. It appeared during the Second World War. National socialists considered lesbians to be immoral people, who are not worth living in German society. They were chased by the Nazi and many lesbians were killed in concentration camps. Male gays suffered much more because the law prohibited them to be in any kind of relationship. For not obeying they were punished by castration and imprisoned in concentration camps. Different convicts were forced to wear inverted colored triangles, forming in such a way groups: homosexuals, criminals, political prisoners, Jews. The kinks had to wear the black triangle as women, whose behavior was considered anti-social: prostitutes, feminists and many others. The Nazi declared that these women were not worth living in German society. The gay women didnt correspond to image of ideal woman, who should cook, bring up children, clean house and be socially passive.

Today the black triangle is used by the lesbians as a symbol of fight for their rights and against the discrimination. It also used by feminists as a symbol of sisterhood.

2. The Labrys

This toll is used by lesbians and feminists as their symbol since the 1970s. The labrys gained popularity due to its history. Actually, this tool is a kind of hatchet that was used both for harvesting and fighting. This ax was mainly used in Asia, African and European matriarchal societies. The labrys is often associated with the Amazon tribes. The Amazons were known as ruthless and cruel warriors. Thats why the labrys now is a symbol of strength and self-sufficiency. It was also mentioned in ancient mythology. There were discovered some frescoes on which the ancient goddess Demeter is portrayed with the labrys in her hands. Its believed that people, who took part in rites dedicated to this goddess, had been involved in lesbian sex.

Many national feminist and lesbian organizations use this symbol in their fight as a badge of their strength.

3. The Lambda

The lambda became an international symbol for gay rights. Now this symbol is used by both male and female homosexuals. The history of its origin is very puzzling and contradictory. Today nobody can answer why exactly this ancient Greek letter was chosen. But its known that the lambda was adopted for the first time by special gay organization in 1970. The Gay Activists New-York Alliance has chosen it to be the symbol of their liberty. Later the lambda became the symbol of lesbian movement as well. There are several theories about the lambdas origin:

1. The lambda is a Greek letter symbolizing the freedom and liberation

2. This letter was used by some Spartan soldiers, who put it on their shields to demonstrate their strength, freedom and union

3. In Roma this letter symbolized the importance of knowledge

4. Gays associate lambda with the union of their energy. This association is based on the fact that lambda is actively used in chemistry and physics and indicates the energy

5. The lambda is also used to indicate different wavelength of energy. They believe that the homosexuals and naturals are on different wavelengths while having sex

The lambda was officially declared as a lesbian and gay symbol by the International Gay Rights Congress in 1974.

4. The interlocking female symbols

Two interlocking female symbols are very popular and often used in jewelry. The lesbians began using it in 1970s . At this time a similar but male symbol was actively used by gays. Some problems arouse later: the feminists also began using this sign to demonstrate their sisterhood. And some misunderstandings took place. But soon the matter was settled. Nowadays, two interlocking symbols are used by kinks, but the same sign with three interlocking symbols is used by feminists.

5. AIDS Awareness Ribbon

For the first time red ribbon appeared in 1991. This ribbon is not the first one that was used as a symbol. Earlier, the yellow ribbon was worn by the American population during the Persian Gulf War in support of U.S. soldiers. The red color was chosen because it is the color of blood. AIDS and HIV are the illnesses usually associated with the blood. At the same time, red color symbolizes love and passion. The Red Ribbon became not only the symbol of fight against AIDS, but as well developed into the big Project. The Red Ribbon Project was organized by New-York Visual AIDS group. The members of this group try to prevent the transmission of AIDS and look for the opportunities to gain more money for scientific research. This group joins many art people, who try to encourage those, who died of AIDS or are living with this terrible disease. The Visual AIDS regularly organizes exhibitions, concerts in commemoration of those who have died. People wear this red ribbon to attract attention of governors and health organizations to the biggest problem of our age. The lesbians also joined this movement and wear the ribbon in memory of their sisters and with the aim to prevent new cases.

6. Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon

After the enormous popularity of Red Ribbon, the Pink was invented. It is associated with Breast Cancer awareness. The breast cancer is a very dangerous illness. The probability to suffer of this disease is much higher in women who didnt bear children. Thats why the lesbian community considers this ribbon to be one of the most important symbols of theirs. The breast cancer still remains a big danger for women. That is why the lesbian activity in this domain is aimed to prevent Breast Cancer and to help those, who are suffering of it.

7. The Bi Pride Flag

The Bi Pride Flag is not as popular as The Rainbow one and it is not patented. This flag was designed to attract the world attention to the bisexuals. Nowadays, the Lesbian and Gay Communities are widely-recognized and widespread. There are millions bisexual people, but they are not as visible as homosexuals. The idea of this flag creation came to Michael Page in 1998. His purpose was to make bisexuals more visible and maximize their pride. Each color of it has it own meaning:

- the blue color symbolizes heterosexual relationship

- the pink one represents homosexual relationship

- the purple color is a result of overlapping the previous two colors and identifies bi-people

8. The Rainbow Flag

The Rainbow Flag is the most popular gay symbol. It was created by the artist Gilbert Baker of San Francisco. In fact, the rainbow was used to symbolize sexuality and gender many times. One can meet it represented in African, Greek and American cultures. Later it was used by political parties, as a symbol of freedom. Jesse Jacksons Rainbow Coalition is a glare example of this. Gilbert Baker understood the need of a symbol, which would unite all the gays. For the first time the rainbow flag was used as homosexual symbol in the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade. Every color, Gilbert Baker has chosen, symbolizes different aspects of homosexual life.

-Hot pink means sexuality

-Red - life

-Orange symbolizes healing

-Yellow - the sun

-Green - nature

-Blue - art

-Indigo means harmony

-Violet - spirit

The symbolism was borrowed from other freedom movements such as hippie and black civil rights movement. The popularity of the flag boosted very fast. The purpose to use it yearly at the Parades was achieved. To produce it in a big quantity Baker took it to San Francisco Flag Company. But several colors were commercially not available and were replaced by the other colors. The Rainbow flag became popular all over the world. Now it is easily recognized and widespread. After the 1979 Pride Parade it was recognized not only by common people, but as well by the officials. The existence of such a flag was officially registered by the International Congress of Flag Makers.

9. The Pink Triangle

The history of the Pink Triangle is analogous to the Black one. It was used by Nazi to label homosexuals. Any kind of homosexual relations were prohibited. Even kisses, arms and fantasies of having sex with the same sex were considered crimes. The gays had to wear the inverted triangle and to do the hardest work in concentration camps. This fact is often excluded from the history reports. Thats why people wearing it nowadays, try to commemorate those who suffered and died because of Nazi persecution. And if earlier it was just a symbol of gays, than today its worn as well in solidarity with the victims. It also has a purpose of not taking measures to avoid tragedy.

10. Australian Bisexuality Symbol

Each country could have its own symbols along with the symbols which became international. An interesting symbol was chosen to represent the bisexual relationships in Australia. It looks like a combination of yin-yang with the male and female symbols. It was adopted by The South Australian Bisexual Network in 1993. Later the organization was replaced by the Adelaide Bisexual Support Group, but the symbol remained the same.