How to Make Your Rainbow Display a Game Changer

A rainbow display says, “We support you and are inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities at this school.” In recent years, rainbow displays in schools and communities have become an increasingly popular way of making a statement of support of all sexual orientations and gender identities. With many ways to go about this, how can you ensure your display is high impact?

Stay true to the origin of the rainbow.

Whether using the classic flag, or the new progressive pride flag, it is important to understand what message is being sent, and to stick with the correct colours. Check out this awesome resource for a style guide on the Pride rainbow and new Progressive Pride flag.

Support a school- or student-driven process.

Mandating that every school in a region creates the exact same display may come across as inauthentic. Find out what holds meaning to each school community and allow for personalization.

Collaborate with community stakeholders.

If a school dreams of a rainbow crosswalk, and is also nearby a prominent community space such as community centre, library, or city hall, a partnership could easily be formed.

Think outside the (rainbow) crosswalk.

Create a mural, hang a banner, or paint the backs of stairs leading up to a main entrance - this is both visibly striking and has less wear and tear from footsteps and tire marks. While rainbow crosswalks do speak volumes, there are many ways to create a rainbow display.

Include commitment and action.

A display with no action may create more harm than good. As a meaningful example of action, one school’s GSA created a list of what it means to them for someone to be an ally, and asked all educators who were going to display a rainbow in their classroom to pledge to uphold the statements.