The Internet, smartphones, hashtags, and instantaneous communication have transformed the global Pride movement. We have the power to affect change far faster than could be imagined with viral videos, public campaigns on social media, and through the ability for organizations and people to communicate in real time. We Are Connected recognizes the role that technology has played in bringing us together – enabling us to share our Pride while alerting us to the need to continue pushing for LGBTQ human rights in other parts of the world where being proud to be who you are is a death sentence.

Colour: this year’s logo features six colourful circles representing the six primary colours of the Rainbow Flag – a globally-recognized symbol of the modern LGBTQ movement. The Rainbow Flag was created by Gilbert Baker and was first flown during the 1987 San Francisco Pride celebrations. The original flag had eight colours including pink and turquoise. Baker died this year on March 30, 2017, at age 65.

Arrangement: Each coloured circle is meant to represent the diversity of our community. Some circles are larger or smaller than others to symbolize that some voices can be louder than others. Like a Venn diagram, each circle overlaps to show that although we have our differences and characteristics that make us unique, we are all connected to each other with shared values, shared ideas, and shared struggles.