History

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History of the Pride Flag

Melissa L.

Published on 2023.02.14

The rainbow flag, also known as the pride flag, is a main representation of the LGBTQ+ community. It empowers individuals as part of the community, permitting their recognition, as well as allowing their voices to be heard. Not only does it provide a place of sanctuary, it also acknowledges the individuality of each unique person, allowing for more embracement and acceptance of each other. However, with this meaningful definition of the flag, it is also crucial for everyone to take a step back, and learn about the significance of the rainbow flag as well as the reason behind this particular flag. The symbolic choices and designs of the flag enhances its meaning and allows for more possibilities to be expressed.

Science defines a rainbow as a natural phenomenon in which light is refracted to create an image of the seven colours that make up light. In the traditional mindset, rainbows provide a sense of warmth, colour and hope, as it is the beauty after a storm. Thus, in 1978, with the goal of emancipating the LGBTQ+ community, a gay artist named Gilbert Baker designed a flag—one of the most powerful symbols of pride, to really stand up for the identities of the people within the community (Gonzalez). Baker’s utilization of the rainbow initially came from his observations and beliefs that the rainbow was a natural flag of its own. With this, the rainbow’s colours would later on become a voice for embracing diversity.

It wasn't until 1994 that the symbol truly became a widespread representation of the community (Gonzalez). Since then, the flag has brought the people of the LGBTQ+ communities together, establishing them as who they are in current society. Today, there are six main colours that make up the rainbow flag, red—for life, orange—for healing, yellow—for sunlight, green—for nature, indigo—for harmony, and violet—for spirit. Together, the synonymous messages behind the flag are diversity, pride and freedom (Gonzalez).

As the LGBTQ+ community continues to grow, many variations of the flag have been created to represent more specific groups within the community, such as the lesbian pride flag, the bisexual pride flag and many more (Gonzalez). With the creation of the rainbow flag, a lot of individuals have had the opportunity to express themselves more freely. Every year, the community celebrates pride month in June, where everyone is able to take pride in who they are, and to come together for the beginning to a better future (Gonzalez).

Works Cited

Gonzalez, Nora. “How Did the Rainbow Flag Become a Symbol of LGBTQ Pride?” Encyclopædia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/story/how-did-the-rainbow-flag-become-a-symbol-of-lgbt-pride.

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