Gay flag launched into space to spread PEACE (photos, video)

Rights activists have sent a rainbow flag, which symbolises LGBT pride and diversity, into the stratosphere for the first time ever.

The non-profit group wants gay people to feel safe in every corner of the universe

It was air-launched with the help of a high-altitude balloon by Planting Peace, an American non-profit group, near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US, on August 17 this year.
The organization used a GoPro camera to film the flag’s journey and released footage on Wednesday, September 28.
The flag reached an altitude of about 33.9km above earth and spent in outer space for about three hours before falling back down.

The idea behind the action is rather simple — the organisers wanted to declare space gay friendly “in a peaceful, beautiful way”.
Aaron Jackson, the president of Planting Peace, said: “The primary purpose of this declaration is to support the ongoing fight for the fundamental human rights of our LGBTQ family, moving us closer to a universal understanding that all people deserve to live freely and love freely without fear and discrimination.

The flag spent over three hours in space before it returned to earth

It was an honor to send the first Pride flag into space, and it provided a wonderful opportunity to show that Planting Peace will not stop fighting for LGBTQ rights until all S3@.x:’ual and gender minorities experience full, fundamental rights in every corner of the universe.
The backdrop of space gave us a stunning, inspiring and peaceful canvas for our message of hope to our LGBTQ family. I would love for LGBTQ children who are struggling to see this, and look up to the stars and remember that the universe shines brightly for them, and they are not alone.”
The organization founded for the purpose of “spreading peace in a hurting world”. Planting Peace specializes in diverse global causes, including orphanages in Haiti and India, international deworming efforts, rainforest preservation, and anti-bullying programs.