Why Lambda is associated with homosexual?

Question

Lambda, the eleventh number/alphabet from Greek Alphabet, is associated with gays.
Why?

Answer 1

This letter from the Greek alphabet was first used as a pride symbol in 1970 when New York City's Gay Activists Alliance (GAA) chose the lower-case lambda at the suggestion of Tom Doerr, a graphic artist. The GAA explained that since the lambda stood for "a complete exchange of energy" in chemistry and physics, it was an apt symbol of potential for change. They proclaimed it a sign of "a commitment among men and women to achieve and defend their human rights as homosexual citizens."



Other meanings have become attached to the lambda. Some have noted that it is used in science to represent wavelength and thus may stand for a specifically gay and lesbian perspective or "wavelength." Others have referred to the use of the letter on the shields or battle flags of ancient Greek regiments whose warriors were accompanied into battle by younger men, possibly their lovers. Still others associate the lambda with the first letter of the word liberation.



The lambda was adopted as the official symbol of the gay rights movement at the first International Gay Rights Congress in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1974. It has since been used on clothing, jewelry, and other consumer goods. One version of the rainbow flag features a white lambda near the upper left corner.



The lambda figures in the names of several prominent organizations, including the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund and the Lambda Literary Foundation.

Answer 2

Because it is meant to be associated with Unity and Camaraderie, with origins meaning "Militant", and when you combine all these meanings, it does a great job describing how Gay people have felt about the bond with other Gay Brother and Sisters for centuries, especially at times when being persecuted or even killed for being what you born as was common place. Like in present day Iran for example, where teenagers are routinely hanged in public still if suspected of being gay. In these societies, the symbol can be displayed to show a safe place, or group function without saying "gays are welcome" openly. This has been used for that purpose for most of the 20th century, and not starting in 1973 as some believe when it was adopted by the Gay Activist Alliance of New York. It was adopted by them to empower the symbol away from its negative history. Much like when gays starting to use the word "queer" as a form of self definition and a way of removing its power from those who used it to harm us.



It is also the 11th letter of Greek alphabet, and something I am proud to be associated with for it''s broad meaning.



Most importantly, During WWII the Nazi's would paint a Pink colored Lambda Symbol on the prison striped uniform of any person believed to be gay who were in a concentration camp. These people were then singled out to be tortured more severely, and worked literally to death, and treated more cruelly in general, and exterminated without hesitation.

Answer 3

There is a lesbian sorority on my campus called Gamma Rho Lambda. Hahaha.

Answer 4

It represents balance.



The hook at the bottom of it on the right side, you know, basically represents what needs to be done to take, and maintain balance.



And to the Spartans, it meant unity.



Basically meaning, "Equal Rights"



Edit: Efxaristo (Thank you)

Answer 5

It's also the symbol for energy. The energy of the GLBT movement.

Answer 6

I've also always wondered this...i know it means wavelength in physics...(use it allot) lol

Answer 7

Because its sexy, Just like gays =)