The Economist explains

Why the rainbow flag is now one of many during Pride month

Flag designs have proliferated as the celebration of gay rights has become more inclusive

Activists wave progress pride flag during the Queer Capitol March in Austin, Texas
Image: USA TODAY

LOOK UP AT a flagpole in most big American cities in June, and you will probably see three banners: the stars and stripes, the state or city emblem and a rainbow flag, which is flown to mark LGBTQ Pride month. But if you attend a Pride parade in one of those cities, you may see several flags with different colours and symbols riffing on the familiar rainbow stripes. The Human Rights Campaign, an American LGBTQ-rights lobby group, lists 25 Pride flags on its website. Why so many?

From the June 24th 2023 edition

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