Vox

Homosexuality remains illegal in some way in 72 countries around the world. Not only that, but 12 of these countries allow the death penalty for homosexual acts.

A transgender model protested this injustice with a beautiful, powerful image in which she wore the flags of countries that still ban homosexuality — turning their symbols of hate into a rainbow:

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During the opening walk of euro pride in Amsterdam 2 weeks ago, 72 flags of 72 different countries where homosexuality is against the law were present, in 12 of these countries you still get the death penalty for being gay. the COC (Dutch organization for LGBT men and women) collected these flags and together with Fashion designer Matthijs van Bergen and artist Oeri van Woezik they decided to make these flags into a giant rainbow dress. That's when the idea started. I then was asked to come on board to create a image. And where best to do that then in front of one of the most beautiful paintings in the world "the night watch" by Rembrandt in "Het Rijksmuseum" Roger and I decided Monday morning to fly out that same night to holland to do this project that in many ways is very close to our harts. Everyone spend a crazy 4 days of pre and post production but we did it and we delivered. I am more then proud to present the beautiful Valentijn de Hingh in the Rainbow dress in the Honor gallery of "Het Rijksmuseum" Thank you Arnoud van Krimpen, Jochem Kaan and everyone that made this all possible in such a short period of time. Thank you Happy pride everyone! Let there be Love! #rijksmuseum #nachtwacht #nightwatch #coc #valentijndehingh #pieterhenket #WomenbyPieter

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Here is a map of the countries known to ban homosexuality, based on a 2016 report by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA):

Enforcement in these countries varies — some only ban male homosexuality, laws and enforcement can be different within different local jurisdictions, and a few have laws that aren’t frequently or at all enforced. But even having these laws in place is something that defies the most basic expectations for LGBTQ equality.

Click here for the original article.

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