Gay Wedding Glossary: Rainbows and Pink Triangles

Gay Weddings are Good for Business

Research, data, advice and tips on the business of same-sex weddings from Bernadette Coveney Smith, the nation's leading gay wedding expert. In 2004, Bernadette opened 14 Stories, the first company in the U.S. to specialize in planning legal same-sex weddings.

Gay Wedding Glossary: Rainbows and Pink Triangles

Bernadette Coveney Smith - Monday, September 17, 2007

Gay Wedding Glossary

Rainbows and Pink Triangles: Rainbows and pink triangles have important meaning in LGBT history. The rainbow is a symbol of liberation and freedom and is widely recognized as a gay symbol. Pink triangles are also a widely recognized gay symbol that has it origins during the Holocaust.

Both symbols, while widely recognized by LGBT individuals, are now seen as dated and cheesy. When putting together your marketing materials for same-sex couples, it is recommended that you do not use those symbols to show your support. Although those symbols are not offensive, they are also not appealing to the modern LGBT couple.

Comments

Victoria commented on 18-Jul-2011 02:41 PM

Hi Bernadette, your information is so helpful. I have an in-house design team working on creating new marketing materials for my business, such as a new logo, letterhead, website design for the new LGBT arm of my business. Can you tell me if there are
more modern symbols, colors, etc. that do appeal to LGBT individuals? Thank you so much for your help.

V smith commented on 18-Jul-2011 02:50 PM

Victoria- I'm glad this is helpful for you. If you are looking for a more modern symbol, your best bet is the HRC logo, the equals sign. That's universally known by LGBT individuals. But if your imagery and language is inclusive, you will do well. Thanks!