Queer Ancestor Spotlight: David Spada
How many of you are familiar with “Freedom Rings”? They are a set of six aluminum rings, each one a different color of the rainbow, and could be worn as rings, earrings, or necklaces. They were by New York artist David Spada in the early 1990’s and became a recognizable symbol of LGBTQ+ pride in the late 20th century.
David Spada, date unknown
David Spada was born in New Britain, CT on December 5, 1961. He grew up in Berlin, CT and was active in the Berlin Summer Youth Theater. He attended Parsons School of Design and graduated in the early 1980s, and would return to teach jewelry-making. His creative use of materials for art and jewelry were recognized early in his career. In 1984 the New York Times ran an article highlighting a piece of jewelry he made from orange rubber tubing.
Spada relocated to New York City and opened a boutique called Casa di Spada in the Lower East Side. He sold his jewelry, clothing, and custom designs through this location and through partnerships with other outlets. He was contemporaries and friends with other scene artists such as Keith Haring, Lady Bunny, and International Chrysis. His list of clients included folks like Princess Diana, Madonna and Grace Jones. Grace Jones would often perform wearing his jewelry highlighted by body paint done by Keith Haring. Spada also collaborated with designer Patrick Kelly on one of his most famous couture works, a Josephine Baker-inspired banana skirt and top, now in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
In 1991 he designed the “Freedom Rings”, a set of six aluminum rings based on the colors of the gay pride flag. They could be worn separately, or together as parts of necklaces, bracelets, and keychains. Some folks referred to them as “Fruit Loops.” They were first sold as part of a fundraiser for the 1991 San Francisco Freedom Day Parade. In June of 1992 several MTV hosts wore Freedom Rings and they were featured in the first gay-centered ad from Absolut Vodka call Absolut Spada, further increasing their visibility. At the 1993 March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation all of the Freedom Rings sold out.
Spada died of complications related to AIDS on May 13, 1996.
Learn more about David Spada here:
Woman’s Ensemble: Bra Top and Banana Skirt - Philadelphia Museum of Art
Absolut Spada ad campaign - GLAAD
Universal Spada - Online shop and community by Alex Spada
THING; Freedom Rings - The New York Times
Gays Adopts Symbols Of Pride - Hartford Courant
Top Common LGBTQ Symbols - We Are Pride
