The rainbow flag, also known as the pride flag, is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) identity and social movements
It is widely recognized and celebrated around the world, especially during the month of June, which is designated as Pride Month. The rainbow flag was created in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, an artist, designer, Vietnam War veteran, and drag performer. He was commissioned by Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., to create a symbol of pride for the gay community in San Francisco.
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Baker was inspired by the American flag and the rainbow, which he saw as a natural and beautiful expression of diversity. He also wanted to replace the pink triangle, which was used by the Nazis to identify and persecute homosexuals, with a more positive and affirming symbol.
Baker and his volunteers dyed and sewed the fabric for the first rainbow flags, which consisted of eight colors, each with a specific meaning:
- Hot pink for sex
- Red for life
- Orange for healing
- Yellow for sunlight
- Green for nature
- Turquoise for art
- Indigo for harmony
- Violet for spirit
The original rainbow flags were flown at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade on June 25, 1978.
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After the assassination of Harvey Milk on November 27, 1978, the demand for the rainbow flag increased. However, due to the unavailability of hot pink fabric, the flag was reduced to seven colors. Later, the flag was further simplified to six colors, by removing the turquoise stripe and replacing the indigo with blue, to make it more symmetrical and easier to reproduce.
The six-color version of the rainbow flag became the most popular and widely used variant, and was officially recognized by the International Congress of Flag Makers in 1989.
Over the years, the rainbow flag has inspired many variations and adaptations, to represent different aspects and identities within the LGBTQ community. For example, there are flags for bisexual, transgender, pansexual, intersex, non-binary, and asexual people, as well as flags for specific causes, such as fighting AIDS, racism, and homophobia.
Some of the most recent additions to the rainbow family are the Progress Pride Flag, designed by Daniel Quasar in 2018, which incorporates the colors of the transgender flag and a black and brown chevron to represent people of color and those living with HIV/AIDS; and the Inclusive Pride Flag, designed by Valentino Vecchietti in 2020, which adds a white chevron to include intersex people.
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The rainbow flag is more than just a colorful banner. It is a symbol of pride, solidarity, diversity, and acceptance. It is a way of expressing one’s identity, celebrating one’s community, and supporting one’s rights. It is also a reminder of the history, struggles, and achievements of the LGBTQ movement, and a hope for a better future.
The rainbow flag is a symbol of love, and love is love.
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