Lambda

Lambda (λ) is a Greek letter often used to represent queer liberation. Typically, the lowercase form is used, but more rarely one may see the uppercase lambda (Λ).

Symbology
The symbology of the lambda is a source of speculation. The most widely accepted, though, is that designer Tom Doerr coined it based on its use in physics to represent "a complete exchange of energy." Other popular symbologies include:


 * Lambda--the Greek letter for "L"--stands for the word "liberation"
 * Representing balance scales and equality
 * The Lambda supposedly symbolizing unity to the Spartans
 * Roman use of the letter to symbolize "the light of knowledge"

History
The lambda has origins as a letter in the Ancient Greek and now Modern Greek alphabets that is equivilent to the English letter "L." It was allegedly used on ancient Spartan shields as a symbol of unity, by the Romans to signify the light of knowledge, and as an icon for the scales of justice. In some ancient grafitti, it also appears to symbolize oral sex.

As a gay liberation symbol, it was first used in 1970 when graphic designer Tom Doerr proposed it to be the logo of the Gay Activists Alliance and as a covert symbol of unity and pride. The symbol was described by the GAA as representing "a complete exchange of energy--that moment or span of time witness to absolute activity." It swiftly caught on, and in December 1974, it was adopted as the international symbol for gay and lesbian rights by the International Gay Rights Congress in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Lambda Legal, an American nonprofit that provides legal support and education for gay, lesbian, transgender, and HIV/AIDS afflicted people, was founded in 1973 and took its name from the lambda as a gay liberation symbol.

Usage
The lambda as a pride symbol was originally used primarily on banners, amulets/charms, and in queer grafitti. In the modern day, all these uses and more are accepted. It may appear on flags, pin buttons, and is a frequent subject of pride tattoos. Many queer organizations, nonprofits, and similar are either named after the lambda or use lambda iconography.

Flags with Symbol
The GAA lambda flag was the first lambda pride flag, and was hung outside the firehouse rented out by the GAA to act as their headquarters.

The Los Angeles lambda pride flag, which is a magenta/purple lambda over a white background, was a proposed generalized queer pride flag. However, due to beliefs that the lambda was a gay male pride symbol, it did not catch on with the broader community.