Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer LGBTQ Resources and Studies

This guide will help you to identify resources with information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer LGBTQ topics and issues.  Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this field, it would be impossible to include all scholarship and information that is available.  This guide serves as a starting point for topics and information to consider.  If you have questions or need help with your research, please contact a librarian for assistance.

The Rainbow Flag - 1978

A symbol of the the gay and lesbian movement, San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker designed the first rainbow flag for his city's June 25, 1978, Gay Freedom Day Parade.  The orginal flag had eight stripes but was redesigned in 1979.  Today, the six colors represent the following:

• Red = Life

• Orange = Healing

• Yellow = Sun or Sunlight

• Green = Serenity

• Blue = Harmony

• Violet = Spirit

The Rainbow Flag - Progress

Designed in 2018 by Graphic designer Daniel Quasar, Quasar added a five-colored chevron to the classic Rainbow Flag to place a greater emphasis on “inclusion and progression.” Quasar’s Progress Pride Flag added five arrow-shaped lines to the six-colored Rainbow Flag, which is widely recognized as the symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) community.

The flag includes black and brown stripes to represent marginalized LGBTQ+ communities of color, along with the colors pink, light blue and white, which are used on the Transgender Pride Flag.

from Progress Pride Flag - Grand Rapids Pride Center

Intersex Inclusive Pride Flag - 2021

In 2021, Valentino Vecchietti of Intersexquality Rights UK adapted the Pride Progress flag design to incorporate the intersex flag, creating this Intersex-Inclusive Pride flag 2021

from Intersex Inclusive Flag - Consortium for LGBT+ Communities