This queer doctor’s solution to ‘reclaiming the rainbow’ following fierce NHS debate is elegant, simple and more inclusive
Pride flag (Eric Thayer/Getty
Queer doctor Christopher Morrison has the perfect solution to the widespread use of the Pride colours to celebrate the NHS – instead, LGBT+ people should start using the BAME and trans inclusive flag.
Morrison suggested that queer people start using a variation of the flag designed by Daniel Quasar, which helps to celebrate the full spectrum of the LGBT+ community, including people of colour and trans people.
In an opinion article for the British Medical Association (BMA), Morrison noted that the the rainbow colours have taken on a “new meaning” in the UK, as people used them to celebrate key workers battling coronavirus.
“There are some LGBT+ voices concerned that the Pride rainbow has been repurposed away from the community; some go as far as to ask how we will reclaim it. I think that question is not the one to ask,” Morrison wrote.
Doctor Christopher Morrison wants the LGBT+ community to move forward with a more inclusive Pride flag.
“All of this happens at a time of great change and upheaval in our societies; not only do we continue the struggle against COVID-19, with the promise of only a ‘new normal’ on the other side, we see social unrest as the Black Lives Matter movement continues its push for BAME (black and minority ethnic) equality, and debate continues about the status of trans people,” he said.
Morrison said the LGBT+ community has found itself “at a crossroads”.
This Progress flag honours our multiple minorities and asks us to consider the intersectionality of our equality, whilst paying homage to Marsha P Johnson, the Trans woman of colour who threw the first punch at Stonewall.
“In one direction, we can try to reclaim our six-colour rainbow, and stand in our silos; in the other, we can stand all under one banner, in solidarity with our BAME and trans siblings, acknowledging the multiple levels of discrimination faced by minorities within minorities, fighting for the equalities of all.”
Morrison praised Quasar’s reimagined Pride flag, and said he sees it as “most suited to our cause in the future”.
“This Progress flag honours our multiple minorities and asks us to consider the intersectionality of our equality, while paying homage to Marsha P Johnson, the trans woman of colour who threw the first punch at Stonewall.”
