Purple rhino questions

[woolymonkey]

I really don't want to get caught in the controversy about whether  the purple rhino virtual gift is a Good Idea.  (I try to steer clear of the really world-shattering issues.)  But I'm puzzled.

What is this "forgotten" symbol of the Gay Rights Movement? 
Why have I never heard about it until now?  Ignorance?  Britishness?  (Rhinos failed to swim the Atlantic?)
Who thought it would make an inspiring symbol for gay people?
Why?
Why a rhino?
Is this all a wind up?
Why?
Why purple?

Is there any connection to the Purple Cow Poem?

And, finally... why?

Please help if you can!

Comments

[lj_stowaway]

Like you, I am unfamiliar with the purple rhino symbol, but Google led me to this article, which implies a plausible connection. I didn't see mention of the illustration in the article but it makes sense in context (and the article was last edited on 8 May, so I doubt the gif is a plant made by anyone involved in the current uproar).

That's all I got. *g* I'll be watching to see if someone who *does* know the whys and wherefores of it comments.

[woolymonkey.livejournal.com]

Interesting! penknife found more (with the same image) and a Boston connection. Am now informed and puzzled, which is better than just puzzled.

[porridgebird.livejournal.com]

I'm curious too. I'd never seen it before, but I do see people happily recognizing it. And some not so happily (but I don't get the impression they ever saw it before either).

[woolymonkey.livejournal.com]

See the_stowaway's and penknife's comments for purple rhino info links. Still odd though...

[artaxastra.livejournal.com]

I have to say, 15 years of working in the LGBT movement, and never once did I see a purple rhinoceros! It may be regional or something?

penknife adds, "I never saw a purple cow, either."

[woolymonkey.livejournal.com]

penknife found some in Boston, and the_stowaway spotted one in San Francisco. So they might pass your way as they migrate.

[penknife.livejournal.com]

Found the origin of the rhinoceros. Not that I still really feel that I understand what made them think "gay people are like rhinoceroses" was a good message for a public education campaign, but there you go.

[woolymonkey.livejournal.com]

Congratulations!

As you say, it still doesn't quite explain how it seemed like a good idea at the time, but it's a start. Am now somewhat less mystified. Thank you!

Personally, I'd've thought a large, short-sighted, grumpy, and increasingly endangered species with vastly overrated aphrodisiac properties would work better as an emblem of traditional heterosexual attitudes, but hey... Don't worry, I won't be starting a campaign to make the gays give back our rhinos.