On June 25, 1978, the original gay pride flag flew at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. The flag was the creation of gay activist Gilbert Baker, though it was commissioned by the famous Harvey Milk, and was designed to be a symbol of pride for the gay community. Along with slight visual alterations made over the years, the message has broadened to include the Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Bisexual, and Queer (LGTBQ) community at large. The flag — or some iteration of it — now adorns stickers, ribbons, buttons, t-shirts, and virtually anything one can think of. On college campuses, the rainbow flag can be a message to students and faculty alike, as is the case on Hamilton’s campus.
As recently as last year, the Queer Student Union (formerly known as the Rainbow Alliance) designed a symbol in homage to the rainbow flag specific to Hamilton and the Hamilton community. The rainbow ‘H’ can be seen on laptops, water bottles, and on the doors of academic offices on campus. This is a tangible and instantly recognizable message to any passersby that the individual bearing the ‘H’ supports, identifies with, or is a proud advocate of the LGBTQ movement in general and in specific support of students on campus. Professors who have the sticker on their door are nonverbally telling students that there office is a safe space. Students who want someone to talk to will be listened to, understood, and supported by the wonderful men and women who make up the faculty of this campus.
Hamilton has taken many steps toward creating an open and nurturing environment for students, but there is more yet to come. Mental health is perhaps the most relevant topic in the lexicon of Hamilton College right now. From student organizations to Student Assembly to the administration, everyone is currently focused on mental health. In the wake of this movement, one student has come up with a symbol with the intent for it to become as iconic and supportive as the rainbow ‘H.’
Albert Ian Lunn ’20 has designed a series of almost connected concentric half-circles. Lunn is actively involved in the Mental Health Task Force, works with Minds for Change, and is a key player in the conversation surrounding mental well-being on this campus.
“To me, mental health is about confounding conflicting extremes: balancing moments of darkness with moments of light and unifying mismatched pieces to create a complete whole,” Lunn said.
“We hope for consistent brightness but in that pursuit inevitably experience layers of darkness. This logo is meant to evoke the balancing act demanded by a wholly healthy mind. Bracing for the turbulence of oscillation through awareness makes for a safer ride.”
Lunn hopes that the sticker will be applied similarly to the rainbow ‘H’ on campus. He envisions it emblazoned on water bottles, doors, and laptop cases.
The stickers aim to serve as a sign of solidarity with those working to balance their mental health, and as an invitation for communion if such contact is requested. The sticker is already worn by some students and on the doors of administrators near Dean Chase’s office. Given the positive response, Lunn hopes to continue his sticker campaign and increase awareness on campus.
