Gilbert Baker, designer of the Pride Flag, has passed away today at 65 years of age
Recently honored in the ABC series “When We Rise”, the openly gay artist is remembered for designing the unifying symbol of the LGBT community and movement.
The rainbow flag was first designed and handmade in 1978. A rainbow was used to reflect the fact that LGBT people are of natural beauty. The first flag was flown on June 25, 1978 at San Francisco Pride, with 8 colors. Each had its own meaning: hot pink for sexuality, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for magic/art, blue for harmony, and violet for the spirit. Following the assassination of influential leader Harvey Milk, the flag was in high demand and was revised to retain efficiency. Nowadays, the flag is shown as having 6 evens colors, having dropped hot pink and turquoise.
(Original flag design, 1978)
Now we must remember Mr. Baker as designing the seminal symbol for our people. Gone are the days of the pink triangle–we define ourselves. Thank you for giving us this beautiful symbol. The Pride Flag is something that has given us the image for our pride and community. There is nothing I would rather assign myself to more than the rainbow. We will always remember you.
