Rainbow flag is proud of Vienna's schools: signs of diversity!

Rainbow flag is proud of Vienna's schools: signs of diversity!

On June 4, 2025, the rainbow flag was raised at the Vienna Education Directorate. Education director Elisabeth Fuchs recalled the role of schools as places of diversity and acceptance. The event was accompanied by Vice Mayor and Councilor of Education Bettina Emmerling, who described the hoist of the flag as a strong commitment to an open and solidary society. SPÖ councilor Susanne Haase and Neos community councilor Thomas Weber and representatives of numerous organizations were also present.

The rainbow flag, a symbol of equality and acceptance, is seen as a sign against hate and discrimination. Vee Lange, management of the Flagincluded project from Hosi Vienna, emphasized the importance of visibility and discourse for real changes in society. Hernals' integrative school was selected as a flagship school for the flag hissing, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 5, at 10:00 a.m. This project aims to promote equality and actively combat discrimination.

broad support for the Flagincluded

The Flagincluded project is enjoying strong interest in schools, as reported by the Vienna Education Directorate. Almost 200 schools from all federal states in Austria have already joined the project. In Vienna, the Kolonitzgasse elementary school was also voted for this year's flagship school. There the solemn flags, accompanied by children's singing, took place there. Headmistress Doris Rilk emphasized the importance of equal opportunities, regardless of origin, social class, religion or gender.

Education director Heinrich Himmer emphasized that the rainbow flag is an important symbol for an inclusive society. The LGBTIQ spokeswoman Nicole Berger-Krotsch underlined the need for visibility and equality in schools and wants the Flagincluded project to be established as a tradition in Austria.

The rainbow flag in the historical context

The rainbow flag is the symbol of the LGBTQIA+community and stands for respect and acceptance. Originally designed by Gilbert Baker in San Francisco in 1978, represented pride and visibility for a community that was often exposed to discrimination and violence. The flag, which originally had eight colors, has now reduced to six, with each color has a specific meaning. Baker wanted to celebrate love with this sign, in contrast to the pink angle that was a symbol of persecution.

worldwide, the rainbow flag is not only used as a sign for LGBTQIA+rights, but also to support the “Ally's”, which are committed to the rights of the community. Despite progress in many countries, such as the introduction of "marriage for all" in Germany in 2017, there are still worrying statistics on discrimination and violence against queer people. In 2023, almost 1,500 hate motivated crimes were reported in Germany, an alarming increase of over 50% compared to the previous year.

This is not only a symbol of hope, but also a warning sign for the challenges that the LGBTQIA+community must continue to cope with. In view of rights of political movements that endanger progress, the rainbow flag is the act of protest and a strong plea for equality and solidarity in society.