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Lambda Symbol
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The
Lambda Symbol seems to be one of the most controversial of symbols
in regards to its meaning, however a few main points are agreed upon
by the majority. |
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The
lambda was first chosen as a gay symbol when it was adopted in 1970
by the New York Gay Activists Alliance. It became the
symbol of their growing movement of gay liberation. In 1974, the lambda
was subsequently adopted by the International Gay Rights Congress
held in Edinburgh, Scotland, as their symbol for lesbian and gay rights,
the lambda became internationally popular. |
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The
main question after this is simply why?
Why was the lambda symbol even chosen? As a representation
of the gay and lesbian movement.. Some say that it is simply the Greek
lower-case letter l for liberation. Lambda may also denote the synergy
of the gay movement, the idea that the whole is greater than the sum
of its parts. The lambda also may represent scales
and balance, and the constant force that keeps opposing sides
from overcoming each other -- the hook at the bottom of the right
leg signifies the action needed to reach and maintain balance. The
ancient Greek Spartans regarded the lambda to mean unity,
while the Romans considered it "the
light of knowledge shed into the darkness
of ignorance." |
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Today,
the symbol generally denotes lesbian's and gay men's concerns together.
In the early 1970's the Los Angeles gay community created a flag with
a lavender lambda on a simple white background. They hoped the flag
would catch on to other cities, but their hopes were denied because
some saw the lambda as a male symbol only. |
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