Gaysper first emerged in April 2019 when the Spanish far-right political party Vox included a rainbow-colored version of Casper the Friendly Ghost in a graphic representing threats to Spain. Intended as a derogatory symbol against the LGBTQ+ community, the little ghost was instantly reclaimed by queer internet users as a mascot of pride and defiance. Its name, a portmanteau of 'gay' and 'Casper,' quickly went viral across Twitter and Instagram, transforming a symbol of fear into one of adorable inclusivity. Today, Gaysper is widely used to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights, mock conservative hysteria, and add a touch of spooky pride to social media feeds during Pride Month and beyond.