The seven colours of the rainbow have become a flag, fluttering in the sky over Cusco. Many travellers, upon seeing it, mistakenly believe it to be the emblem of LGBTQ+ pride, which piques their curiosity to learn more about this symbol that can be a source of controversy.
Amidst the curiosity of some and the confusion of others, it is crucial to understand that, despite their obvious similarities, the Cusco flag and the LGBTQ+ pride flag represent different identities and struggles.
Both symbols express the history and heritage of specific communities, as well as reflecting their values, beliefs, and struggles. Each flag holds a deep and personal significance for those who recognise it as their own.
Understanding this meaning is essential for promoting tolerance and comprehension between different cultures and identity groups.
With this goal in mind, this article will help you distinguish the significance of the Cusco flag from that of the LGBTQ+ movement. A full recognition of each will contribute to the promotion of diversity and inclusion in our globalised society.
Contents
Did the Incas have flags?
Like other pre-Columbian cultures, the children of the Sun did not have flags in the modern sense of the word. In this part of the world, peoples and civilizations developed complex systems of visual communication and symbolism.
María Rostworowski, a Peruvian historian and researcher, notes that while there were no flags in ancient Peru, the Incas used a variety of visual symbols to represent their authority and imperial identity.
Emblems, standards, and textile symbols were used in ceremonies, rituals, and battles to identify military units or represent royal authority.
The concept of a flag in the Andean world, as we understand it today, would emerge with the arrival of the Spanish and the subsequent development of modern nation-states.
A contemporary flag
It was somewhat unusual that Cusco, a city with such deep cultural roots, did not have a flag. The lack of a symbol to serve as a factor of integration and identity was why a local radio station organised a competition to create one in 1973.
The initiative was met with enthusiasm by the listeners of Radio Tahuantinsuyo, who were eager to have a flag that would represent the Inca history and identity of their land.
The winning design featured seven horizontal stripes of equal size in rainbow colours, symbolising the cultural and natural diversity of the city and the empire founded by Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo.
On June 9, 1978, Mayor Gilberto Muñiz Caparó officially adopted it as the flag of Cusco. Since then, it has been used in official events, civic ceremonies, regional festivals, and social protests.
LGBTQ+: The Other Rainbow
Similar designs, but not identical and, to avoid confusion, we will teach you how to differentiate them:
Far from Cusco, on June 25, 1978, American artist and gay activist Gilbert Baker created the famous flag that represents the diversity and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community (lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, and queer individuals).
First displayed at the San Francisco Pride March, Baker was inspired by the rainbow, a colourful, beautiful, and universally recognisable natural phenomenon.
The original design featured eight stripes, each with its own meaning: pink (sex), red (life), orange (healing), yellow (sun), green (nature), turquoise (art and magic), blue (serenity), and violet (spirit). In 1979, the pink and turquoise stripes were removed.
Beyond the number of stripes, the flag is a widely recognised symbol of solidarity and support for the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in a world that still discriminates against, criminalises, and persecutes people with different sexual orientations and gender identities.
What are the differences between the two flags?
Similar designs, but not identical. To avoid confusion, we’ll show you how to distinguish between them:
- The Cusco flag features seven horizontal stripes of equal size in vibrant colours. These are typically arranged as follows: red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, dark blue, and violet.
- Since 2021, the Cusco flag also includes the Sun of Echenique, a pre-Hispanic artifact that serves as the city’s symbol and coat of arms.
- The LGBTQ+ flag, on the other hand, has six horizontal stripes. The order of its colours is: red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, and violet. While there are variations in the number and order of the stripes, the basic design is widely recognised as the symbol of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Importance of Recognising the Flags
- Differentiating the flags will help you understand the significance and importance of each one. This will prevent misunderstandings and show your respect towards the communities represented by both symbols.
- It will also enable you to better grasp the context in which they are used and appreciate their significance to the people of Cusco and the LGBTQ+ community.
- Recognising both the Cusco flag and the LGBTQ+ flag promotes and fosters cultural diversity, inclusion, tolerance, and respect for sexual identity. All these values contribute to creating a fairer and more supportive society.
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