The red umbrella is the international symbol of sex worker rights and the fight against discrimination. It was first used as a symbol of sex worker rights in an Italian demonstration against human rights abuses in 2001. Later, in 2005, it was then adopted by the International Committee on the Rights of Sex Workers in Europe (ICRSE) as a symbol of resistance.  The red umbrella now appears in the logos for numerous sex worker rights groups and is associated with the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. The red umbrella is a powerful symbol; not only does the colour represent love and sex, but the umbrella signifies protection and sanctuary. 

The red umbrella is also a very beautiful image and has long inspired artists, as these works show.