A Los Angeles Times article recently dispelled the popular belief that artist Gilbert Baker was solely responsible for the design of the symbol that came next-the rainbow. Queer iconography once included pink and black triangles-re-appropriated by the LGBT community after the Nazis used them to label gay men and lesbians in concentration camps-and the labrys-a double-headed ax associated with the mythological, matriarchal Amazons. Here are the highlights of what I learned about this colorful, often-changing symbol. Where did the so-called “pride” flag come from anyway? I went on a research journey to find out, exploring works of fiction, newspaper articles, autobiographies, political parties, rock bands, a certain Technicolor movie, and more. Miscellaneous objects from the museum’s collection that feature rainbows, including “That’s So Gay!” trivia game, coasters, and flags promoting marriage equality and immigration equality can you? Well, it turns out that the rainbow as a symbol has appeared in many places and in many forms over the past century.
Apart from failing to recognize the intersectional interests of queer and trans people of color, critics invoked the rainbow flag as something constant and abiding. Many rejected the alteration of such a supposedly sacred symbol.
In addition to the iconic rainbow flag, several other flags with different symbols and colour combinations exist to celebrate their identity orientation under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, including asexual, bisexual, gender fluid, and non-binary, and several others.In 2017, in response to a slew of racist incidents in the Gayborhood, Philadelphia added black and brown stripes to the traditional six-color LGBT rainbow flag. The additional dark and earthy coloured stripes address variety and inclusivity. There is another location-specific version also available with added meanings, such as the eight stripe flag created in 2017. The rainbow flag of six colours red, orange, yellow, green, royal blue, and violet. The original eight stripe flag designed by Baker had the following meanings for each colour.īecause of difficulty in sourcing fabric pink and turquoise colour was subsequently removed from the rainbow pride flag. The pride rainbow flag is the pride symbol of the LGBTQ community and each colour on the flag has a specific meaning. Here we look at what every colour in the rainbow flag means. It was first flown in 1978 at the ‘Gay Freedom Day parade in San Francisco and became the most popular symbol of gay pride. Afterwards, Baker thought a rainbow flag would represent the beautiful diversity of this community. A pink triangle has symbolized, the gay rights movement. It was initially designed by artist and gay rights activist Gilbert Baker in 1978. The design of the flag changed over a year and each colour has a specific meaning. The famous flag has become a symbol of pride and support for lesbian, transgender, gay, bisexual, and pansexual people. Pride month and the iconic rainbow pride flag are correlated and it’s impossible to think of pride month without imagining the iconic rainbow flag.