Google's decision to support Gay Pride with a rainbow icon has disappointed some gay rights backers.

Google is supporting Gay Pride, celebrated in the month of June, with the addition of a rainbow icon to its otherwise spartan search box. But the rainbow only appears when users search for gay-related topics, prompting some to say Google remains in the closet.

“During the month of June, Google is celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Pride,” the company said in a statement. “For some Pride-related search queries, we are showing a rainbow at the end of the search bar.”

Writing for the The Atlantic's tech site, Nicholas Jackson said Google's support remains hidden to avoid criticism from anti-gay groups.

“Instead of boldly declaring its support of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, Google added a rainbow to the end of its search bar,” Jackson wrote. “But it only appears when certain queries are entered. 'Gay' does the trick, as does 'lesbian' and 'transgender.' But try even the slightest modifications to those terms -- 'transgender pride,' 'lesbian empowerment' -- and the rainbow disappears as though it was never there. This should keep the six-color rainbow, a symbol universally associated with gay pride ever since San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker created it 33 years ago, from appearing on the pages of those who are still opposed to gay rights. And keep Google from having to deal with any backlash.”

“I'm disappointed in Google's decision today,” Jackson added, "but none of this is meant to demean the company's previous work in supporting gay rights.”