Flags of Inequality

Abstract

Flags of Inequality is a data exhibit based on the digital project of the same name. This artwork is a collection of forty-nine incomplete pride flags that invite the audience to reflect on the inequalities still faced by the LGBTQ+ population of European countries. This data visualization takes the pride flag, an iconic symbol of the community, and reworks it with data on the laws and policies in these countries to tell the story of inequality through a visual metaphor. In the visualization, the partial pride flags are presented in frames, juxtaposing color with a dark area that signifies the missing portion of the flag. Flags vary dramatically between countries. The flags for Malta or Iceland are almost complete, while the ones of Russia or Azerbaijan are barely visible. The incomplete flags portray the limitations to the lives of the queer community through the absence of color and space. On the other end, a colorful, almost complete flag is a reflection of a place where a whole, joyful queer life is more likely. This collection prompts the audience to face the emotional response caused by the meaning of the familiar yet altered symbol, promoting awareness of diverse queer realities and the need for social justice.