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

[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.