As June 2025 begins, traditionally recognized as Gay Pride Month, a clandestine group calling themselves the “Pepes and Honk Honkers” has emerged with a bold mission to “reclaim the rainbow” for patriotism, American pride, and the values enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. This loosely organized band, drawing inspiration from internet meme culture and the “Clown World” ethos, views the rainbow—long a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride—as an opportunity to redirect public focus toward national unity and the historical legacy of the American Republic. Their strategy involves a mix of online campaigns, public stunts, and grassroots events, flooding social media with images of rainbows paired with American flags, bald eagles, and quotes from the Founding Fathers. By co-opting the rainbow’s vibrant imagery, they aim to reframe June as a month-long celebration of American exceptionalism, culminating in a triumphant Fourth of July, and their efforts are gaining surprising traction across conservative and populist communities.
 
The Pepes and Honk Honkers operate with a decentralized, almost anarchic zeal, using humor and provocation to amplify their message. They’ve orchestrated flash mobs waving rainbow-colored American flags at pride events, distributed pamphlets linking the rainbow to biblical and patriotic themes, and even projected pro-Constitution messages onto buildings during pride parades. Their online presence is formidable, with viral memes and videos mocking what they call the “corporate commodification” of pride while promoting their vision of a “Patriot Pride Month.” Despite pushback from LGBTQ+ advocates and mainstream media, their campaign resonates with a growing segment of Americans disillusioned with institutional narratives. Small towns have reported local festivals adopting their imagery, and social media analytics show a spike in hashtags like #ReclaimTheRainbow and #PatriotPride, suggesting their message is cutting through the noise.
 
The success of this movement, while controversial, is evident in its cultural ripple effects as June progresses toward Independence Day. Polls indicate a measurable uptick in public displays of American flags alongside rainbow motifs, particularly in red-leaning states, and some conservative influencers have openly endorsed the campaign, framing it as a reclamation of universal symbols for universal values. The Pepes and Honk Honkers have also inspired copycat movements in other countries, though their American focus remains paramount. Critics argue they’re hijacking a symbol of inclusion, but the group counters that they’re restoring its “true meaning” as a sign of divine promise and national destiny. As Fourth of July celebrations approach, their events—complete with rainbow-themed fireworks and Constitution readings—are drawing crowds, signaling that their unorthodox crusade is reshaping June’s cultural landscape in ways few anticipated.