First Use of LGBTQ+ Pride Flag

The rainbow flag is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer pride commonly used at LGBTQIA+ rights events worldwide. The colors reflect the diversity of the community in addition to the spectrum of human sexuality and gender. Over the years, the flag has been updated and changed to be more inclusive of LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies. In addition to the rainbow, there are many other flags and symbols used to communicate specific identities within the community.

Designed by artist Gilbert Baker at the request of San Francisco City Supervisor and first openly gay elected official in the history of California, Harvey Milk, the original rainbow flag made its debut at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade celebration on June 25, 1978. After the assassination of Harvey Milk in November 1978, demand for the flag greatly increased. Baker dropped the hot pink strip from the flag as that particular color was not readily available. In 1979, he modified it again to become the 6-stripe rainbow flag that is still used today in addition to many other renditions.