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UNICORN
Magical Mythical Creature
Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland
LGBTQ Flags and Symbols
Colorful History of the Rainbow Flag
Train Passengers Sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow
True Colors by Cyndi
Lauper
Unicorn as Queer
Symbol
"Well, now that we
have seen each other, said the unicorn, if you
will believe in me, I will believe in you."
-Lewis Carroll,
Alice Through the Looking Glass
How did unicorns find
their way into the symbols and language of the LGBTQ
community? Even though unicorns have been referred to in
a wide variety of literary, historical, religious, and
philosophical ways for centuries, they have somehow
wound up having a connection in the queer iconography.
By understanding some of the attributes associated with
unicorns, one can begin to see why unicorns resonate
with LGBTQ culture.
The mythical unicorn
is a legendary creature that has been described since
antiquity as an equine beast with a single large, pointed,
spiraling horn projecting from its forehead. It was a
beautiful, magical horse-like creature that could only be lured and
captured by a pure maiden. It is reputed to live
for a thousand years and to be the noblest of animals.
  
Unicorn: Emblem for Our Times
Unicorn Song
Why Millennials Love Unicorns and
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Unicorns and Rainbows
Info: Rainbows
Unicorn
Information
List of Mythical Creatures
Mythology: Unicorns
Pink Fluffy Unicorns Dancing on Rainbows
The unicorn is a
complicated and awe-inspiring creature. It can represent
sacred and romantic love. It looks gentle but is also fierce. And,
according to legend, its horn heals ailments and
diseases, protects against poison, purifies water, and
cures impotency.
The unicorn represents chastity, virtue, and purity of
heart. It has been more broadly embraced as a symbol of
hope and grace. Nowadays, the unicorn is strongly associated with
vibrant imagination and a sense of wonder.
The
unicorn symbol has been used when someone is trying desperately to
convince you that something that you think is fake is
actually real. Some teens use it to show how something that is
unbelievable or inconceivable or unfathomable can be
factual and true. Among
young people, the unicorn is a symbol of uniqueness.
They are trying to convey the idea that something is
rare or different or weird or odd, but exists none
the less. It might
be one-of-a-kind. It might be something unexpected or
out-of-the-ordinary. By referring to themselves as unicorns they are expressing pride in their own
uniqueness and declaring their authenticity.
Unicorn: Emblem for Our Times
Unicorns and Rainbows
Pink Fluffy Unicorns Dancing on Rainbows
Magical Facts About Unicorns
Info: LGBTQ Symbols and Icons
Unicorn Images on Pinterest
Fairy Sarah and Luna Rose: The Magic Unicorn
It is not
unusual to see queer kids embrace the unicorn symbol.
Young people who feel different (or ostracized or
marginalized or left out) might find some comfort in
referring to themselves as unicorns. It can be about
expressing pride in one's oddness. Perhaps a young
person is still searching or exploring to find his/her
identity. Being a unicorn gives him/her some kind of a
handle or point of reference. Young people who are
curious (or even confused) about their own feelings,
might enjoy using the unicorn label. Kids who are
experimenting with their gender expression (clothing,
hair, make-up) might easily identify as a unicorn.
A unicorn can be further defined as
that girl (or guy) that is unattainable and perfect. Everything
about her is so flawless and divine, that capturing
her is unfathomable. Being someone's unicorn means you
are someone's fantasy. She is truly a blessing.
Bumping into her on the sidewalk is a good day. Having
a conversation with her is a dream come true.
Good luck finding her. It takes time, effort, and a
whole lot of persistence. Even though unicorns are said
to be uncatchable, never give up your pursuit. Unicorns
are worth the hunt.
If somebody calls you
a unicorn, it means that you are the most adorable and
unique of all creatures. You are the stuff of
myths and dreams and there is no way you could ever be
real. You are someone's four-leaf clover and they can’t believe
their luck. You are the perfect catch or the perfect
partner. If they capture you, they’ll be loyal to
you for life.
"She is my dream come
true. I am so lucky. She's my unicorn for sure."
"Did you see that guy? I think I just found my unicorn. Now how
do I go about talking to him?"
"That girl is a ten
for sure. She’s beyond a ten.
She’s my unicorn."
Lore and Lure of Unicorns
Info: Rainbows
Mermaid Tavern
Unicorns are the Queer Icon of Our Time
Awesome Mythological Creatures
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Fantasy Creatures
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The unicorn started
as a fierce creature found in the farthest corners of
the known world. Originally, it was envisioned to have
the head of a stag, the feet of an elephant and the tail
of boar. So how did unicorns end up on little girls'
birthday cakes all cute and pink and covered in glitter?
How did it become a popular motif for children's toys,
books, and clothing?
Unicorns gained a
reputation for being elusive, a reference to things you
could never quite see or catch. Wild animals at heart,
unicorns are highly independent and they can easily
elude the grasp of humans. When they are spotted, they
run away. In the rare case that a unicorn is cornered,
it will fight, and fight hard, for its freedom.
Legend has it that
the creature is tireless when pursued, yet falls meekly
to the ground when approached by someone with a pure
heart.
Unicorns,
then, reveal themselves only to those they trust. While
guarded and suspicious of the intentions of others,
unicorns will bare themselves to those who are virtuous
and benevolent. The parallels to the coming out process
are easy to see.
Unicorns have long
been a representation of the moon, embodying the
mysterious, intuitive, and magical. Often considered the
most wondrous of all mythical creatures, the unicorn is
a symbol of miracles and enchantment. It appears to only
a rare few and has the ability to bestow wisdom upon
those who are pure of heart and virtuous in their deeds.
But unicorns no
longer have to be lured from magical forests by pure
maidens. They’re everywhere. If you’re a kid, unicorns
are ubiquitous. If you’re a girl, they’re inescapable.
And they’re cantering into the wider popular culture,
too.
Nor is this purely
superficial. The value of a unicorn, as something
described as rare and magical, have seen the word used
in various connotations, including in the business
sector. In Silicon Valley, a unicorn can be a start-up
business valued at more than $1 billion. In
Manhattan, a unicorn can be a really good apartment that
is not insanely expensive. In art collector
circles, a unicorn can be that rare gem, artwork, or
artifact that is as exotic as it is priceless.
As we have
seen, a unicorn is also an elusive or unobtainable
woman. In that context,
a unicorn can be that hard-to-find bisexual woman (or
sometimes man) who joins a polyamorous couple. As
evident in the slang used on dating sites, a unicorn
is that sexually adventurous woman who is willing to
join an existing couple (and be the third member of a
poly triad or thrupple), often with the presumption that this person
will date and become sexually involved with both members
of that couple. The unicorn will be the girlfriend to
the couple. The couple is usually considered a primary
relationship, while the girlfriend will be a secondary
partner to both.
Unicorns,
on one t-shirt, were described as "Rare, Dangerous, and
Horny." Another t-shirt exclaimed, "I'm a Unicorn!
I'm Different." And yet another t-shirt announced,
"Come to the Queer Side! We Have Unicorns!"
What is a Unicorn in Sexual Terms?
Hunting the Elusive Unicorn
Unicorns Rule
Confessions of a Real Life Unicorn
Info: Polyamorous Lifestyle
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Mermaid Tavern
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Unicorns are the Queer Icon of Our Time
The unicorn was
mentioned in ancient Greek, Hindu, and Hebrew literature
during the Bronze Age. It was part of European folklore
during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. In Chinese
tradition the Unicorn is an auspicious and perfect
spiritual beast which appears when sages are born
The unicorn has been
popular at various points for at least 3,000 years. They were considered as real in the ancient world by
the Greeks. They appear in books of natural history, not
just books about the gods. The Old Testament contains
possible mentions of unicorns, and from there they have
been incorporated into Western art and culture,
surfacing at various times, including the Medieval
period and the Renaissance (in paintings and
tapestries). The unicorn also has a role to play in
Chinese mythology.
The lion
and the unicorn are heraldic symbols of the United
Kingdom, dating back to 1603. Their likenesses appear as
part of the UK coat of arms: the lion representing
England and the unicorn representing Scotland.
Historically, unicorns have been mentioned by Aristotle
(Greek Philosopher), Ctesias (Greek Physician), Strabo
(Greek Historian), Pliny the Elder (Roman Historian),
Marco Polo (Italian Explorer), Leonardo di Vinci
(Italian Artist), and Sir Thomas Brown (English
Scientist).
One of the unicorn’s
first appearances in fantasy literature was in 1871, in Lewis
Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass... "Well, now that we
have seen each other," said the unicorn, "if you will believe in me, I
will believe in you."
Unicorn: Emblem for Our Times
Unicorn Song
Why Millennials Love Unicorns and
Mermaids
Unicorns and Rainbows
Info: Rainbows
Unicorn
Information
List of Mythical Creatures
Mythology: Unicorns
Pink Fluffy Unicorns Dancing on Rainbows
Unicorns
appear in books, songs, and other media...
Through
the Looking Glass / Book by Lewis Carroll
Fantasia /
Movie by by Walt Disney
Chronicles
of Narnia / Book Series by CS Lewis
The
Unicorn / Song by Shel Silverstein, Sung by Irish Rovers
Last
Unicorn / Book by Peter Beagle
Wandering
Unicorn / Book by Manuel Mujica Lainez
Dungeons &
Dragons / Animated TV Series
Legend /
Movie starring Tom Cruise and Tim Curry
Unicorn
Chronicles / Book Series by Bruce Coville
Harry
Potter & Philosopher's Stone / Book by JK Rowlin
Princess &
The Unicorn / Book by Carroll Hughes
My Little
Pony / Toys and TV Series by Hasbro
Cabin in
the Woods / Movie by Joss Whedon
Star vs.
Forces of Evil / TV Series by Disney
And there
are, of course, hundreds of children's books about
unicorns...
Uni the
Unicorn, Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great, Lily the
Unicorn, Claire & the Unicorn Happy Ever After, Twelve
Dancing Unicorns, Today I'll Be a Unicorn, Sariah and
the Magical Unicorn, Bella the Unicorn, Sugarlump & the
Unicorn, Unicorns Are Real, The Unicorn in the Barn, The
Unicorn Quest, I am a Unicorn, You Are My Magical
Unicorn, The Unicorn of the West, Where Have the
Unicorns Gone?, Goodnight Unicorn, The Magic of
Unicorns, Stories of Unicorns, The Magic Unicorn,
Unicorn of Many Hats, Do You Believe in Unicorns?,
Unicorns Don't Give Sleigh Rides, Misty Morgan, Unicorn
Alphabet, Twinkle Twinkle Unicorn, How to Catch a
Unicorn, Always Hug a Unicorn, Enchanted Unicorn, The
Little White Horse, Luna the Unicorn...
Mythology: Unicorns
Unicorn Song
Unicorn: Emblem for Our Times
Enchanting Facts About Unicorns
Uni the Unicorn
Pink Fluffy Unicorns Dancing on Rainbows
Unicorns are the Queer Icon of Our Time
List of Unicorns in Literature and Media
Mythical Creatures and Beasts
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Mythology: Gods and Goddesses of Love
Why Millennials Love Unicorns and
Mermaids
Unicorn Cartoon for Kids
 
The folklore
surrounding unicorns began to develop early in the
Christian era. It’s found in Islamic sources as well.
This fierce creature would come tamely to a virgin
female. It also became popular in that aspect of
chivalry known as courtly love. A man is transfixed by his
love of the lady and, like the unicorn, wins her and
becomes tamed as the husband.
In the last century,
the unicorn has made its appearance in the LGBTQ community. Rainbows and unicorns are so intrinsically
linked that it’s not surprising that the magic creature
started to appear on t-shirts and banners at Gay Pride
parades around the world. The unicorn as a symbol of
things that are fanciful, exotic, unique, and different makes
it the perfect queer emblem.
The legend of the
unicorn combines male and female in one beast and
therefore rich in the symbolism of opposites. It
represents the balance of the yin and yang.
The unicorn can be a
sweet, innocent pony, but it also has a phallic
(sensuous) horn
protruding from its head. It’s a symbol of freedom to be
male and female. In other words, it’s an iconic example
of the possibility to be whoever you want to be,
separate from any limiting binaries. Its gender
fluidity seems emblematic of our times and relevant to
the genderqueer and transgender community.
What is a Unicorn in Sexual Terms?
Hunting the Elusive Unicorn
Unicorns Rule
Confessions of a Real Life Unicorn
Info: Polyamorous Lifestyle
List of Unicorns in Literature and Media
Mermaid Tavern
Good Girl Becomes a Unicorn
Unicorn Images on Pinterest
What Does Unicorn Mean on Tindr?
How to Be a Sexual Unicorn
Unicorns are the Queer Icon of Our Time
Unicorns have a complicated
mythological significance when it comes to queer
culture, having represented everything from virgins to
outsiders to Christ himself. But it is the unicorn’s
resolute status as a wild being constantly under threat
of capture, torture, and death, which is most
significant to the queer community.
As an emblem that has
relevance to those who feel odd, exotic, and different,
the unicorn reminds us that some people are, in fact,
fabulous beyond measure. The unicorn represents all that
is pure, virtuous, wise, and hopeful. It is a symbol of
magic, miracles, fantasy, and enchantment. The unicorn has
endured in our culture because it’s just too lovely and
too rare
to ignore.
Unicorn: Emblem for Our Times
Unicorn Song
Why Millennials Love Unicorns and
Mermaids
Unicorns are the Queer Icon of Our Time
Unicorns and Rainbows
Mermaid Tavern
Fairy Sarah and Luna Rose: The Magic Unicorn
Info: LGBTQ Symbols and Icons
Unicorn
Information
List of Mythical Creatures
Info: Rainbows
Mythology: Unicorns
Pink Fluffy Unicorns Dancing on Rainbows
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