Badges via Paud's Pins, https://paudspins.wordpress.com/about/
Badges, Pins, Buttons
When Gavin McGregor first tweeted about finding a treasure trove of badges relating to the LGBT+ community, we were very excited about the history that could be uncovered. Pins were very much in fashion back in the day (and dare we say, are making a comeback?), and being relatively easy to make, buy, and sell, they were popular vehicles for broadcasting your passions. After some months of research, Gavin discovered the identity of the collector: Paud Hegarty. Paud was a long-time gay rights activist and an aspiring human rights lawyer when he passed of AIDS-related illness in 2000.
You might have seen Gavin and Paud's story across twitter - seeing everyone's excitement and the memories that were sparked by the badges inspired us to make this entry. It seemed like all it took was a logo or a slogan to jog someone's memory of a significant time of their life in which they were witnessing LGBT+ history in the making. Whether you call them badges, pins, or buttons, this is one of the clearest examples of how meaningful our cultural heritage can be. The project 'Paud's Pins' was set up not only so we could see these badges, but so that people could share the stories they called to mind.
From L to R: a badge from NYC Pride circa 1982; the beloved activist Marsha P. Johnson; a badge supporting Lesbian/Gay Labor Alliance that existed in San Francisco, all from the personal collection of Karl Frisch. Images via instagram.com/lgbtqbuttons
If you have historical badges yourself, consider donating, selling, or trading with LGBTQbuttons.com. They are looking for badges from our civil rights movement, “including candidates, ballot measures, equality marches, pride celebrations, HIV/AIDS activism, boycotts/protests, legislative lobbying and more”. At next year’s World Pride celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, they are hoping to have an exhibition of their collection.
Images via abprallen.co.uk
LGBT+ badges are still available to purchase online, in your nearest LGBT+ bookstore, or at your local pride. One of our favourite stores is abprallen.co.uk, which reproduces historical badges and also creates their own. You can also try etsy.com (or let us know if you have a favourite artist!). Because badges are easy to make, easy to sell, and easy to carry (and, easy to hide), we strongly recommend giving it a go and making one of your own. Show us your results!