Google Spreadsheet Pride [The Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride]

Out of so many things that you can do with Google Spreadsheet - it's Pride month, so this is what you might want to try if you haven't already. PRIDE Rainbow on Google Spreadsheet. This little feature has been available for a few years at least. Often named as "Google Pride Easter Egg" spreadsheet, all it does is if you write "PRIDE" with each letter in a cell starting A1 (the very top-left corner), it will trigger rainbow columns.

That's all it does. What you can do is, if you ever teach how to use a spreadsheet to somebody (who is LGBTQ perhaps), how to add up numbers or whatever it is, you can say;

"Right, first things first. Type in the word "pride" starting the cell A1....."

It's not case-sensitive, and it's also available in Spanish (ORGULLO), Portuguese (ORGULHO) and Japanese (プライド), although the Japanese has to be in Katakana, not in Hiragana.

Here's how you get a Google Spreadsheet; you need to have a Google account, and it's free.

1. Go to Google Spreadsheet.
2. You need to sign in if you haven't.
3. Start a new spreadsheet, and choose "Blank".

Update: The Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag

Google Spreadsheets has updated the Pride feature to include the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag. This means you can now splash your spreadsheets with colors that stand more powerful – inclusion and diversity.

The Classic Rainbow

First off, let's chat about the classic 6-color flag. It's been around for ages, right? Created in 1978 by artist Gilbert Baker, it originally had eight colors, each with its own meaning.

Over time, it was simplified to six: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. This flag became a global symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and unity. It's simple, it's bold, and it's been hugely important for the community.

Enter the Progress Pride Flag

Now, the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag takes things several steps further. Designed by Daniel Quasar in 2018, this flag includes the original rainbow colors but adds a chevron on the side with black and brown stripes to represent marginalized LGBTQ+ communities of color, along with the colors pink, light blue, and white, reflecting the transgender flag.

In 2021, Intersex Equality Rights UK added a yellow triangle with a purple circle to specifically include the intersex community. This addition is a big deal, isn't it?

Why the Change?

You might wonder why we needed a new flag. Well, it's all about representation. The original rainbow flag was a powerful symbol, but as our understanding of gender and sexuality evolves, so too should our symbols. 

The Progress Pride Flag acknowledges that the fight for equality includes more than just the right to love who you want; it's also about race, gender identity, and bodily autonomy. It's a step towards acknowledging every part of the community, making sure no one is left behind.

It's a Statement

This new flag tells people, especially those who haven't always seen themselves reflected in the broader LGBTQ+ movement, that they're seen and valued. It's a reminder that progress means pushing forward together, making room for everyone. 

The inclusion of the intersex community, in particular, is hugely important. Intersex people—those born with physical sex characteristics that don't fit typical definitions for male or female bodies—have often been overlooked. This flag puts them front and center, affirming their place in the community.

Bringing Us Together

At its heart, the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag is about unity. It's a visual representation of the community's diversity and the ongoing struggle for rights and recognition. It's a call to action, reminding us that there's still work to be done.

And by flying this flag, we're not just celebrating how far we've come; we're also acknowledging the journey ahead. It's a beautiful thing, right? It shows the world that when we talk about pride, we mean everyone's pride.