Originally devised by artist Gilbert Baker, the design has undergone several revisions since its debut in 1978, first to remove colors then restore them based on availability of fabrics. While this use of the rainbow flag originated in San Francisco, it is now used worldwide. He was commissioned to create a flag by another gay icon, politician Harvey Milk, for San Francisco's annual pride parade.Īdditionally, where does the gay flag come from? Likewise, how did the gay rainbow start? The rainbow flag was created in 1978 by artist, designer, Vietnam War veteran and then-drag performer, Gilbert Baker. The rainbow flag continues to unite people of the LGBTQ+ community and serve as a symbol of solidarity. Baker later revealed that he was urged 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. It goes back to 1978, when the artist Gilbert Baker, an openly gay man and a drag queen, designed the first rainbow flag.
Tasked by Harvey Milk, a historic figure in the fight for LGBTQ rights, to create a flag for the queer community, Baker created a rainbow flag with eight different colors. The rainbow flag was popularized as a symbol of the gay community by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. Gilbert Pride Flag, the flag that started it all It was created in 1977 by Gilbert Baker, an artist, activist, and openly gay military veteran.
