The story and symbolism of the colorful flag of Pride
With its bright colors and global impact, the Rainbow’s flag is today one of the most recognizable symbols in the world.
It is inextricably linked to the struggle of LGBTQ+ communities for visibility, acceptance, justice and love – beyond gender, race or identity.
But what is the story behind this flag that is proudly waving in every corner of the globe every June and not only?
The birth of a emblem: Gilbert Baker and 1978
In 1978 in San Francisco, an activist and artist, Gilbert Baker, created the first version of the Pride flag.
Copy of the original drawing of the rainfall of the rainbow. In 1998, Baker recreated his eight -colored design using the same manufacturing methods for the 20th anniversary of the creation of the flag. Painted cotton muslin in white muslin substrate, Gilbert Baker (2002-41) flag collection, Glbt Historical Society
Inspired by the song ‘Over the Rainbow’ of Judy Garland and the social movements of the 1960s, designed a flag with eight colored strips, each symbolizing an element of life:
- Fuchsia – sex
- Red – life
- Orange – treatment
- Yellow – sunlight
- Green – nature
- Turquoise – art
- Indian blue – harmony
- Purple – spirit
The flag was first presented at the Parade of Freedom of Gays in San Francisco and was a symbol of joy and pride in a time of deep social oppression.
Changes in the plan and wide acceptance
The assassination of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California in November 1978, marked a moving shift.
The Pride flag has now become a symbol of memory and resistance.
Due to the difficulties in finding fabrics for mass production, fuchsia was first removed and then the turquoise stripe, while the Indian blue was modified in royal blue.
This is how the classic version of the six colors that dominates to date was created.
The expansion of Pride’s concept: Philadelphia flag
In 2017, the city of Philadelphia added two lanes – black and brown – at the top of the flag, to honor LGBTQ+ colored skin people, who are even distinguished within the community itself.
The modified flag of Philadelphia’s pride is shown outside the Town Hall on June 19, 2017, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
Although it caused some reactions, this renewed version sent a clear message of integration and combating racism within the LGBTQ+ community.
Progress Pride Flag: a new chapter
In 2018, non -binary designer Daniel Quasar presented an even more integration version: Progress Pride Flag.
This flag maintains the basic version of the six colors but adds a wedge pattern with:
- The pink, blue and white strips of the trans flag
- Black and brown stripe for racial minorities and people living with HIV/AIDS or lost because of the epidemic
The pattern shows to the right to symbolize progress, while its placement on the left emphasizes the need to continue the struggle for equality.
The inclusion of intercons
In 2021, activist Valentino Vecchietti from the United Kingdom incorporated the flag of intercostal into the design of Progress Pride Flag.
Added a yellow circle on purple background, deliberately selected colors so as not to refer to traditional binary gender representations. The cycle symbolizes the integrity and the right of the internet people to self -determination.
This version of the flag was welcomed as another step towards the overall integration of all sexes and identities in LGBTQ+ race.
Beyond the symbol: The importance of continuing the race
Pride flag is not just a colored cloth. It is a visible symbol of resistance, survival and unity.
It is the proof that societies are changing, the voices are heard and that there is still a job that needs to be done for the acceptance and equality of all.
