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Unlike the six-color Pride flags of today, the original included pink and turquoise stripes. Photograph: Crawford Barton, Crawford Barton Collection (1993-11), GLBT Historical Society.īut after examining its grommets, stitching and dye, a vexillologist (or flag expert) gauged its age and determined that it probably came from San Francisco’s Paramount Flag Company, where Baker worked in the late 1970s and early 80s. The two rainbow flags can be seen flying in the distance. “I actually saw a picture that showed a placard saying it was a replica,” Beswick said, comparing it to historical reproductions used in films like Milk or When We Rise.Ī view from the stage in front of San Francisco City Hall at the 1978 Gay Freedom Day Parade. When Charley Beal, president of the Gilbert Baker Foundation, contacted Baker’s sister on the eve of Stonewall’s 50th anniversary, she passed along the flag and marchers carried it at New York Pride in 2019, all unaware of its history. Upon his death in 2017, friends cleared out Baker’s apartment and shipped most of his effects to a sister in Texas, with some memorabilia sent to the GLBT Historical Society. Baker, Beswick adds, took the flag with him when he moved to New York in 1994 to execute a mile-long flag exhibit for the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Its brief prominence in San Francisco is all the more poignant considering that 1978 was the only year that supervisor Harvey Milk marched in the parade he would be assassinated five months later. The remnant we have now, it’s about 28 ft along the hoist and 10 to 12 ft of the fly – still quite large and beautiful.” Gilbert went back to retrieve them and took this one and cut off the damaged portion. It sustained water damage and it had mildew on it. “Who knows, maybe it’ll turn up someday,” Beswick said. Measuring 60 ft by 30 ft, the two flags – one with stripes in the style of the American flag, and this one without – were later displayed and stored at a now-shuttered LGBTQ+ community center, where one was stolen. Photograph: Mark Rennie/Courtesy of the Gilbert Baker Foundation These six stripes come together as a strong symbol for the gay community and their place in the world.The two original eight-color rainbow flags flying at United Nations Plaza in 1978 during San Francisco Gay Freedom Day. While this groups has felt countless hardships and open discrimination, a shared soul supported by family, friends, and allies allows LGBTQ+ individuals to continue to thrive. Finally, the royal purple showcases the determined spirit of the queer community. These colors demonstrate the strong voices of the LGBTQ+rising up against hatred and bearing their hearts through music, theater, and traditional art.
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The blue or turquoise in this flag may represent the importance of art or signify growing harmony. Same-sex attraction is found in over 1,000 animal species, highlighting the natural roots of the gay community ( Imperial).
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This area of the flag is meant to inspire us as the sun symbolizes light and hope for a better future. According to Baker, the yellow stripe depicts the warm rays of sunlight. Whether rising up from internal struggles or assisting others with coming out, this experience is felt by many LGBTQ members. Orange stands for healing, a difficult process many queer individuals must go through due to widespread homophobia and discrimination. Like the blood which flows through each of our veins, this color ties the community together and illustrates our similarities. Firstly, red symbolizes life for LGBTQ individuals. Each section stands for an integral part of the gay community. Originally made with eight stripes, Baker soon modified the pride flag to showcase six brilliant colors of the rainbow.