Rainbows, Unicorns, and Triangles
Rainbows, Unicorns, and Triangles
Queer Symbols Throughout History
In the past, being different has often been dangerous, and people couldn’t always be open about how they wanted to dress, what gender they wanted to be, and who they loved...
Within these pages, you’ll learn about how LGBTQIA2S+ people have used signs and symbols throughout history to communicate with each other, create safe spaces, and celebrate who they are!
You’ll recognise the rainbow flags of Pride Month, but what about the Labrys, the Lambda or the Lavender Rhino? This beautifully illustrated guide takes you on a journey through everything from the green carnations of Oscar Wilde and the violets of Sappho to the black rings of asexuality and the reclaimed pink triangles of persecution. A wonderful guide for children 5+ to the visual worlds of queer life.
LGBTIA+ people have a powerful and rich history of hidden symbols and icons, this is a beautifully illustrated and accessible starting point for future queer historians of all ages looking to decode their past.
Queer parents need to be able to share our community’s history with our kids but it can feel daunting. This book will be an invaluable resource for all kinds of families, including mine!
This book is a great way to introduce kids and adults to the many different symbols associated with the LGBTQ+ communities. It shows not only common ones like the rainbow but also ones that may be less well known like a red bowtie. It also touches on less positive symbols (like the pink and black triangles used in World War two) in an age appropriate way.' - 5-Star NetGalley Review, Educator
As a queer parent, I love reading kid books about being queer. This particular one goes into simple, kid-friendly detail about various queer symbols throughout time, what they mean, and how/why they came to be. I consider myself more thoroughly educated after reading this, because I didn’t know about the lavender rhino or the purple handprints! I am actually going to plan to purchase a hard copy of this once it’s released because I think it’s a valuable piece of queer education in a well-simplified and fun to look at format. I look forward to sharing it with my daughter!
This book is a win. As a Cis female ally I try my hardest to learn about LGBTQIA2S+ and Jessica Kingsley did a fantastic educating me and the next generation. I firmly believe education is the basis for understanding, compassion, self understanding. Most importantly education aids with self-acceptance and accepting others who are not exactly like us because no one is exactly like us, yet we are all wonderfully human.
Jem Milton is a non-binary artist based in Glasgow. Originally from Gloucestershire, Jem attended Central St Martins in London before training with Scriberia Ltd, where they worked until 2017. Now a freelance illustrator, Jem makes illustrations, comics and infographics, along with graphic recording and running workshops on creative thinking and visual storytelling.
