Since then, many variations of the flag have been created. The violet stripe was later taken out to create an even number of stripes on the flag. Apparently they ran out of pink dye in those days. Within a year, the flag had shed two of its stripes pink and violet. The original flag had eight stripes from top to bottom: pink (sexuality), red (life), orange (healing), yellow (sunlight), green (nature), turquoise (magic), indigo/blue (serenity), and violet (spirit). However, misguided speculation shouldn’t be a deterrent from showing support, but instead used as an opportunity to inform others about the rainbow colors and the reason we wear them. Some people may assume if a person is wearing rainbow paraphernalia that they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex.
Straight men and women can also wear pride colors to show their support for queer folk and gay rights causes. Each color of the rainbow insignia has a different meaning, but as a whole represent acceptance, inclusion and diversity. Many queer folk show their gay pride by wearing or displaying rainbow colors in a variety of forms- bracelets, necklaces, clothes, flags, bumper stickers, etc.
