In Rotterdam there is a long stretch of flags of nations with anti-gay policy. Each flag pole has a sign indicating the criminal penalties they level against homosexuals. I think it was called “Rainbow project” or something… not sure, vague memory. It’s shocking how many flags there are.

I think last I heard there were ~7 or so countries where the penalty is potentially death.

It’s a great project to increase awareness. And it can be improved. Actions to consider:

• There are so many flags that probably not many bypassers read all the signs. I suggest something extra on the flag poles of the countries that use the death penalty for homosexuality, to make them stand out a bit more. Maybe add a ☠ – skull and crosspones sign or flag.

• Facebook’s algorithms determine who is gay – regardless of whether an FB pawn is open about it or not. In some cases, FB knows before the FB pawn even knows. Facebook’s data is threat in all the countries represented. This needs to be publicised as well, to shame Facebook and increase awareness. I mean, there are lives on the line so I don’t really get why there has not been widespread condemnation of Facebook over this.

The FB problem should be mentioned but perhaps not in a way that’s louder than the sign with the legal penalty. A good approach might be to print some labels with fine print saying:

“… and Facebook tracks who is homosexual.”

which could be applied to the bottom of every sign.

Most people walking past the signs don’t have any connection to those countries so awareness is all the display does. Add the Facebook sickers, then some people will realise they are not helpless. They can boycott Facebook.