The LGBT rainbow flag is flown, by Rutland County Council and Oakham Town Council February 2025
This month Rutland County Council has flown the LGBT rainbow flag outside its Catmose Council Offices.
Oakham Town Council has for the first time flown the Rainbow flag in Cutts Close Oakham Rutland.
In recent years it has flown the flag for a day, for Leicester Pride and more recently for Oakham Pride, now Rutland and Stamford Pride.
The LGBT rainbow flag is flown on public buildings and spaces during the month of February in the United Kingdom to coincide with LGBT History Month. This annual event aims to celebrate the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and related civil rights movements.
The rainbow flag serves as a symbol of inclusivity and support for the LGBT community. Its presence on public buildings during February is a visual reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance. It also acknowledges the contributions of LGBT individuals throughout history.
Local councils and organisations raise the rainbow flag to show their commitment to diversity and to create a welcoming environment for all residents. It serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity for LGBT individuals and their allies.
Often when a LGBT flag appears some people ask for a straight flag particularly on Social Media sites like Facebook.
Here's a breakdown of why demanding a "straight flag" in response to the LGBTQ+ flag is often considered inappropriate:
Not about "straight pride": The LGBTQ+ flag exists to represent a community that has historically faced discrimination, marginalisation, and even violence. It's about visibility, equality, and the right to exist without fear. Heterosexual people have not faced similar systemic oppression.
Trivialises real struggles: Demanding a "straight flag" can be seen as minimising the real struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. It equates a desire for recognition with a fight for basic human rights and safety.
Ignores the purpose of the rainbow flag: The rainbow flag isn't about excluding heterosexual people. It's about creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals and celebrating diversity.
Can be a form of "whataboutism": This is a tactic where someone deflects from a valid issue by bringing up an unrelated or less significant concern. In this case, it distracts from the purpose of the LGBTQ+ flag.
Not about exclusion: Flying the LGBTQ+ flag doesn't mean heterosexual people are excluded or discriminated against. It's about acknowledging and celebrating a specific community.
In short, demanding a "straight flag" often misses the point of the LGBTQ+ flag and can be seen as insensitive to the struggles and ongoing fight for equality that the rainbow flag represents.
Explaining the original LGBTQ+ flag:
The rainbow flag, a symbol of pride and unity for the LGBTQ+ community, was created by artist and activist Gilbert Baker in 1978. Its debut was at the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade on June 25th of that year.
Baker's inspiration stemmed from the idea of the rainbow as a natural flag in the sky, a symbol of hope and diversity. Each of the original eight colours he chose for the flag held a specific meaning:
Hot pink: Sexuality
Red: Life
Orange: Healing
Yellow: Sunlight
Green: Nature
Turquoise: Art/Magic
Indigo: Serenity
Violet: Spirit
While the hot pink and turquoise stripes were later removed due to production limitations, the remaining six colours continue to represent the diversity and inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community.
The rainbow flag has become a powerful symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, representing the community's struggle for equality and visibility. It's a reminder that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
www.stonewall.org.uk/resources/lgbtq-hubs/lgbt-history-month
