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A Visual Journey Through the History of the Rainbow Flag

Jon Summers04 mins

The History and Significance of the Rainbow Flag

The rainbow flag, a symbol of the LGBTQ community, has been proudly displayed during Pride Month celebrations, capturing the spirit of joy and inclusivity. However, its journey to ubiquity has not always been straightforward.

Origins of the Rainbow Flag

Designed in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, a gay artist and activist, the flag was commissioned by Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California. Originally, the flag featured eight colors, each representing a distinct meaning—red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for magic, blue for harmony, and purple for spirit.

The First Pride Flag

The first rainbow flag was flown in San Francisco during Gay Pride Day on June 25, 1978. Measuring 30 by 60 feet, it was handmade and symbolized a powerful expression of joy, beauty, and strength. Baker stated, “We needed something to express our joy, our beauty, our power. And the rainbow did that.”

Evolution of the Flag

In 2018, the Progress Pride flag was introduced by Daniel Quasar, a non-binary artist and designer. This redesign honors the original rainbow flag while emphasizing the diversity within the LGBTQ community and advocating for an inclusive society.

Despite the tragic passing of Gilbert Baker in 2017 at the age of 65, his legacy continues to resonate through these images and symbols of pride.

Harvey Milk at San Francisco's Gay Pride Parade in 1978.
Harvey Milk at San Francisco’s Gay Pride Parade in 1978. Terry Schmitt/San Francisco Chronicle/AP
Gilbert Baker, the artist who designed the Rainbow Flag, making 500 new flags for an installation in 1998.
Gilbert Baker, the artist who designed the Rainbow Flag, making 500 new flags for an installation in 1998. Jerry Telfer/San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images
A Pride flag is waved during the International Lesbian & Gay Freedom Day Parade in San Francisco in 1985.
A Pride flag is waved during the International Lesbian & Gay Freedom Day Parade in San Francisco in 1985.
Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Eric Bullen holds an American flag during a 2014 Veterans Day parade in Boston.
Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Eric Bullen holds an American flag during a 2014 Veterans Day parade in Boston. Steven Senne/AP
The White House lit up in rainbow colors after the decision legalizing same-sex marriage in 2015.
The White House lit up in rainbow colors after the US Supreme Court’s 2015 decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. Zach Gibson/The New York Times/Redux
Pride flags fluttering in the breeze in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
Pride flags fluttering in the breeze in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Alamy
Flags and pins during a Progressive Pride Flag ceremony at San Fernando City Hall.
Flags and pins during a Progressive Pride Flag ceremony at San Fernando City Hall on June 1, 2022. Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News/Getty Images
Pride flags at a ceremony in Orlando, Florida.
A Progress Pride flag is flown in front of City Hall on June 1, 2021 in Orlando, Florida.

Today, the rainbow flag continues to be a potent symbol of equality and pride, representing the diverse spectrum of identities and experiences within the LGBTQ community. As society evolves, so does the meaning and significance of this powerful emblem.


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