A long-time source of division at Pride movements around the world has led to parade shut-downs and demonstrations, most recently in Toronto

Last November, Israel’s official social media accounts shared a photo of a smiling Israeli soldier proudly holding a rainbow flag amid the rubble in Gaza, where over 10,000 Palestinians – mostly women and children – had been killed in the weeks following October 7.

Written upon the multi-coloured flag – an iconic, decades-old symbol of LGBTQ+ pride – in English, Arabic and Hebrew, were the words “In The Name Of Love.”

The image quickly went viral. The soldier, a 31-year-old gay man, explained to the media that the Israeli military was “the only army in the Middle East that protects democratic values… it is the only army that allows LGBT people the freedom to be who they are, and therefore I fully believe in our goal.”

Meanwhile, on Instagram, Israel’s account described the image as an “attempt to raise the first pride flag in Gaza as a call for peace and freedom.”

But for many LGBTQ+ activists, and those struggling for Palestinian liberation, the incident represented an almost perfect example of “pinkwashing” – a term that refers to a state or organization’s attempts to use LGBTQ+ rights and symbols to distract or deflect attention from its harmful practices.

  • @BeBaEnglish
    -5•6 months ago

    If Israel intended to commit genocide it would be undeniable because there wouldn’t be any Palestinians left. Let’s be real here, we’re talking about a small area that Israel has more than enough firepower to completely wipe out. If genocide was truly the goal why draw this out so long? They control the Palestinians water supply ffs, have for decades. Nothing stopping em from pumping it full of contraceptives and poisons. Why haven’t they ever?

    The fact is that hamas willingly makes “martyrs” out of their people. More “martyrs” more sympathy, more money, more hate on their enemy. They make no attempt to help their people and even encourage them to die. Search YouTube for “Palestinian children’s shows” for hamas produced lessons. Six year olds talking about the glory of martyrdom, it’s fucked up. Is there any wonder so many people (most of which children) find their way in front of Israeli rockets?