The Meaning of Flowers in Queer History: Thoth’s Pride-Inspired Tees

Flowers have long spoken the language of love, hope, and identity. While many see them as simple, beautiful creations of nature, they’ve also been quiet yet powerful messengers for communities, particularly in queer culture.

Join us on this blossoming journey as we explore how flowers—delicate, bold, resilient—have intertwined themselves with the Queer community and become symbols of pride, love, and resistance.

 At Thoth, where we blend art, nature, and identity, we draw inspiration from the floral symbols that have helped express queerness through history. 

Violets: A Sapphic Love Affair 

Violets have a history deeply rooted in the works of the ancient Greek poet, Sappho, (c. 630 – c. 570 BCE) who lived on the island of Lesbos (yes, *that* Lesbos). Sappho was known for her lyrical poetry that spoke of love between women. In one of her famous fragments, she writes:

 “...and I shall pluck the dew-bright blossoming violets from her breast.”

In the 1920s, women in queer circles would wear violets as a subtle way to signal their romantic inclinations toward other women. These small, purple flowers became symbols of love, connection, and shared identity—a quiet nod to Sappho’s legacy.

And who knew that an ancient poet could still influence floral fashion in the 20th century? 

Lavender: From Scare to Pride 

Lavender has had quite the transformation in queer history. Once associated with the Lavender Scare of the 1950s—a dark period when LGBTQ+ people were targeted and fired from U.S. government jobs—lavender has since become a symbol of queer power and resilience. It’s proof that even during times of oppression, symbols of queerness can rise from the shadows.

The phrase Lavender Menace was even used in the 1970s by lesbian feminists who demanded representation in the women’s rights movement. Lavender, with its soft but striking presence, has since blossomed into a color that represents queer pride, love, and solidarity.

Lavender is no longer something to fear—it’s something to wear with pride.

Green Carnations: A Wilde Story

When you think of dapper queer icons, Oscar Wilde probably tops the list. Wilde, who was one of the most famous gay writers in Victorian England, had a flair for the dramatic. In the 1890s, he popularized the green carnation, encouraging his circle to wear it as a discreet symbol of their queerness.

The green carnation became more than just a fashion statement. It was a symbol of rebellion and individuality in a time when LGBTQ+ identity was criminalized. While Wilde himself faced persecution, his literary works and the green carnation live on as symbols of wit, queerness, and defiance.

Oscar Wilde once said:

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

And honestly, what better way to do that than with a dashing green carnation?

 Pansies: Reclaimed Pride

Ever heard someone use the term "pansy" as an insult? Well, the queer community has flipped the script on that! Historically, “pansy” was used as a slur to mock effeminate men, but in recent years, the word—and the flower—has been reclaimed.

Today, pansies are embraced as symbols of pride, queerness, and individuality. With their bold, bright colors, they represent the spirit of the LGBTQ+ community: unapologetically unique and vibrant.

Roses: A Symbol of Love

Ah, roses. The timeless symbol of love. Whether straight or queer, everyone has felt the universal pull of the rose, particularly the red rose. But beyond Valentine's Day clichés, roses have also been used in LGBTQ+ art and protests as symbols of queer romantic love.

From subtle rose tattoos to full-blown bouquets at Pride events, the rose continues to blossom as a reminder that love—no matter the form—is worth celebrating.

Lilies: The Flower of Transformation

Lilies, with their ethereal beauty, often symbolize transformation and rebirth, which resonates deeply with the Trans community. Whether it’s used in art, tattoos, or queer ceremonies, the lily’s association with transition mirrors the personal journeys of those within the Trans community as they embrace their true selves.

Thoth Designs: Blooming with Pride

At Thoth, we celebrate the beauty of flowers and the stories they carry in our T-shirt designs. Inspired by the intersection of art, nature, and queer culture, our designs feature flowers, queer icons, and more all woven into unique, bold prints.

As a brand that values coexistence, we’re proud allies of the Queer community. Our designs don’t just make a statement—they’re symbols of solidarity. Wear them with pride, and let the world know that beauty blooms from diversity.

 

“The earth laughs in flowers.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

At Thoth, we believe in the transformative power of symbols. Flowers remind us that identity, like nature, is ever-changing, growing, and blooming into something beautiful.

Join us in celebrating queer culture, art, and the language of flowers. Let’s bloom together.

Explore our collection.

#CoexistWithThoth #ThothDesigns