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SA's Gay Flag Struggle Continues

By The Flagboys

In 2012 S. Africa became the first country on earth where the government registered a gay flag (GFSA). Even though it is protected and registered by the government such as other symbols (partly due to the community work we have done), it does not yet stand equal against other symbols such as the SA flag, the protea etc.and is thus not yet a NATIONAL symbol. We are now in the process of making this happen – making the GFSA a NATIONAL symbol for all LGBTI’s. WISH US LUCK!!

It was the impression of the Gay Flag of South Africa non-profit organization that by registering with the Department of Arts and Culture, Bureau of Heraldry that the Gay Flag of South Africa would have recognition as a national symbol, since the Bureau of Heraldry registered the National Flag, Coat of Arms and several other national symbols.

On the application for registration of the GFSA with the Department of Heraldry, we were applying under section C

(c) “Other emblem” means any flag, pennant, gonfalon, decoration, medal, seal, insignia of rank, any office or order or other kindred symbolic representation, but does not include a coat of arms or badge.

The design of the Gay Flag of SA was judged by a Heraldic Council and was approved of "unreservedly" on the following:
· purpose of the flag
· constitution of the Gay Flag of South Africa non-profit
· symbolism of the flag
· colours and meaning of colours

After which it was published twice in the official Government Gazette without any objection.

For the flag (or any other symbol) to become a fully fledged NATIONAL symbol (such as the many symbols we see in government halls, tourism etc.) - it will need to go through many higher channels.

The above said being true, does not diminish the fact that the registration of the Gay Flag of South Africa with the Bureau of Heraldry holds the following importance, as verified again in subsequent communication with the Bureau of Heraldry:
· the design of the Gay Flag of South Africa is still the first gay emblem to be officially recognized by a governmental body in the world (regardless of it not yet standing equal to the SA national flag, the protea, springbok and other symbols and being registered only for the use of the Gay Flag of SA non profit and Eugene Brockman)
· the design of the Gay Flag of South Africa carries all the protections of the Bureau of Heraldry and can be used by Eugene Brockman and subsequently the Gay Flag of South Africa Non-profit and any parties they grant access to. Likewise the Gay Flag of South Africa has the protection of the Bureau of Heraldry in case of misuse or misrepresentation of the symbol by unauthorized parties.

We are glad to say that we are on course and have a strategy in place to indeed get the Gay Flag of South Africa complete national symbol stage (even though it already is protected by government).

However, the vast range of achievements of the Gay Flag of South Africa organization is only set to grow even larger and we thank you for your interest in our activism. It is our determination and belief that official national symbol status being granted would be an irrevocable gesture of acceptance and equality to LGBTI South Africans and our track record of making the flag available to Johannesburg Pride, PE Pride and other non-profits and individuals has seen a vast segment of LGBTI South Africa make the Gay Flag of South Africa their own.

Many thanks for your support.

GFSA


Comments   

 
#1 Steve 2013-02-14 15:09
Excuse my ignorance on the matter but as a NATIONAL emblem one must have the entire nation behind it?
The SA flag is the national flag because it represents ALL South Africans, the Springbok logo is our national animal and the mascot for our NATIONAL rugby team....
I fail to see how the GFSA will ever be a NATIONAL symbol when only 10% of the population is gay?
Please enlighten me.
 
 
#2 Frank 2013-02-14 16:50
With that argument Steve we won't have any national symbols at all. There is a large group of Afrikaners for example that still recognise the old South African flag and do not support the new one. So the entire nation does not support that one... to start off with... I can expand further on the flaws of your argument but I would need more space than what this comment box can grant me.
 
 
#3 Blinding 2013-02-14 23:12
I prefer to use the national flag, even at pride. I would rather represent South Africa at an international pride event than just the gays of South Africa.

Being seen as a proud accepted citizen is better than making a clear distinction to be separate from straight people.

Also my queer side is better represented by the traditional and international rainbow flag which hails to the struggles of all LGBTI people not just the South African gays.
 
 
#4 Proud SA Moffie 2013-02-14 23:29
I love the fact that we have a uniquely South African gay flag. Why? Because our struggle here is unique to our country. Yes there is an international gay flag, but most countries also have their unique own gay flags to highlight their own unique struggles. The difference being that if you read above article you will see that our government recognise our gay flag enough to protect it. The only country in the world to do so. Which makes it doubly special for me. I think those that complain are just jealous because they did not think of it first.
 
 
#5 GAY FLAG OF SA 2013-02-15 07:39
Thank you all for the comments. We learn from everyone's views.
GFSA
 

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