More on “Queer Flora”
Before designing this, I had known a good few of these were queer symbols but now I have a bit more context around the histories and cultures in which the connections were born.
Some notes history on each flower's relation to queer pride & signaling! ❀
Follow the links for more information & credits
Lavender is most common flowers associated with LGBTQ+ and often is used to encompass the whole of Queer culture, with roots in the Lavender Scare discriminations, Lavender Menace activism, and Lavender marriages.
Lilies have their usage in China and Japan, as euphemisms for lesbianism. Yuri means Lily in Japanese. Calla Lilies are also a popular Georgia O'Keeffe subject.
Trillium, a type of lily, are a lesser known 3-petalled flower that has become a bisexual symbol. Fun fact: many flowers are actually bisexual- in this context meaning they have both a pistil and stamens. This includes Roses, Tulips, and also Lilies/Trillium!
Violets have signaled Lesbian love for centuries, from their use in Ancient Greek poetry by Sappho, the Broadway play The Captive. Carnations, specifically green, were popularized by Oscar Wilde in 1892 as a signal for being gay, not only in written works but by organizing the wearing of them himself.
Orchids are another common symbol for love and romance. They also have their history in China through the Qing Dynasty Golden Orchid Society, a social movement which helped place women in marriages with other women.
Pansies in their origin referred to male flamboyance but also eventually instances of Drag as well. There are also instances of activism using planting pansies at sites of queer discrimination.
Roses are a common symbol for Romantic love, but dyed rainbow roses often make an appearance at Pride celebrations, accepted as a symbol for diversity in the queer community. In Japanese Bara means Rose, as well as indicating a genre for gay men. Roses are also a nod to Trans Day of Remembrance "Give us our roses while we're still here".