Gay Whales Against Racism badge
An iconic protest symbol from the late 1970s onwards, the Gay Whales Against Racism badge used humour and absurdity to challenge fascism and promote queer and anti-racist solidarity.
From antifascism to absurdism 🌀
The badge emerged from the creative edge of the UK’s anti-racist movement and was made by the the Anti-Nazi League (ANL). Founded in 1977, the ANL was a broad coalition built to confront the growing threat of far-right groups like the National Front. Backed by trade unions, the Socialist Workers Party, and grassroots activists, the ANL used both direct protest and cultural intervention to shift the narrative.
In this context, slogans like 'gay whales against racism' were intentionally absurd. The idea was to ridicule the narrow, exclusionary identity politics of fascist groups by creating a campaign that was impossibly inclusive. If even gay whales were against racism, it mocked, then who wasn’t?
This style of humour helped demystify the far right, making them seem ridiculous rather than frightening. It also allowed campaigners to express defiance through joy, parody, and unexpected alliances.
Queer solidarity in the frame 🏳️🌈
Though satirical, the badge also reflected genuine expressions of solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, LGBTQ+ people faced significant discrimination in the UK — from Section 28 to widespread homophobia in the media and policing. At the same time, queer activists were beginning to form alliances across struggles, particularly around anti-racism and trade unionism.
Groups like Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) would later become well known for this kind of solidarity, but the Gay whales against racism badge was an early, playful precursor to this politics. By including the word “gay” in such a prominent and unapologetic way, it forced people to engage with both queer visibility and anti-racist commitment.
It was simultaneously ridiculous and radical — a gentle provocation that made people laugh, think, and talk.
Printshops, badges and protest culture 🧵
The badge itself was produced by political printshops aligned with the left — many of them operating out of squats, co-ops, or socialist collectives. Some editions were produced for Anti-Nazi League rallies, while others circulated more informally at gigs, market stalls, and pride events. Often seen alongside Bash the Fash and Love Music Hate Racism designs, it became a staple of the protest badge scene.
Badges were a low-cost and high-impact form of political messaging in the pre-digital era. Worn on lapels, denim jackets, and backpacks, they allowed wearers to declare their politics — and spark conversation. The Gay whales against racism badge took this to an extreme: its message was so strange, it demanded explanation.
And that was the point.
Remembered and collected 💎
Today, the badge is a prized collector’s item — valued not only for its rarity but for the humour and hope it represents. It captures a moment in political history when humour was used as resistance, and when different struggles began to weave themselves together.
In its joyful absurdity, Gay whales against racism reminds us that protest doesn’t always need to be serious to be effective. It can be colourful, strange, and welcoming. And sometimes, the most unexpected slogans are the ones that stick.
Collectors' guide 🔍
☮️ Organisation: Anti Nazi League
🕰️ Age: Early vintage
💎 Rarity: [6/10] Hard to find, maybe rare
🪙️ Material: Tin
📏 Size: 4.5 cm diameter approx.
🎨 Variation: None known
💰 Price Guide: £10 - £20
➡️ Find out more by visiting this pin's link to the badger4peace website. This will take you to our page on the history and collectability of CND (& others) Against The Bomb badges.