In 1970, a self-described “geeky kid from Kansas” named Gilbert Baker came to San Francisco as an Army draftee. What’s wonderful about the flag and the overall feeling at Pride parades is that for a day we joyously celebrate life and freedom of expression while remembering the sadness and pain that many have experienced in the history of the movement.“A true flag cannot be designed - it has to be torn from the soul of the people.” - Unknown A great deal of suffering and strife is behind those bright colors. I hope you remember all the thought that went into this icon when you don your rainbow top hat, knee socks, and booty shorts. Today the Pride flag is flown all over the world. In 2003, an 8,0000 foot flag, 15 feet wide, was unfurled in Key West at the “Rainbow 25 and PrideFest” for the 25th anniversary of the first pride flag. That flag would be dismantled and given to sponsors and activists. It was even confirmed by the Guinness Book of World Records to be the largest flag in the world. On the 25 th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots the mile long, 30-foot wide flag consisting of the original eight colors stretched down Manhattan’s First Avenue. The flag has remained in this configuration ever since and is traditionally flown horizontally with the red stripe on topīaker created two mile-long flags to commemorate the anniversaries of Stonewall and the original flag. The Indigo stripe was also changed to royal blue at this time. They thought three colors on each side looked better than having the pole split the odd numbered stripe down the middle. In 1979, the turquoise strip was eliminated when the flag was hung from Market Street lampposts. Paramount dropped the hot pink when fabric in the color was unavailable. It became very popular, especially after the assassination of Harvey Milk in November of 1978. Baker then started working at the Paramount Flag Company where he convinced them to manufacture the new Pride flag. They are hot pink – sexuality, red – life, orange – healing, yellow – sunlight, green – nature, turquoise – magic/art, indigo/blue – serenity/harmony, and violet – spirit. The first flag comprised of 8 colors, each imbued with a meaning. He brought together 30 volunteers who hand dyed and stitched together the first two flags in the attic of the Gay Community Center.
It’s also been said he was inspired by the song “Over the Rainbow” Baker learned how to sew to make his own outfits for his drag performances. Baker was influenced by the “Flag of the Human Race” that was popular during world peace demonstrations in the 60’s. He came up with the idea of a rainbow to represent all the different gender, nationalities, and races as well as representing the beauty and magic of nature. Gilbert Baker wanted to create flags for the parade but found there really wasn’t a symbol for the movement yet. Gay Pride parades had been around for 8 years at this point, starting with the parade on Christopher Street Liberation Day commemorating the Stonewall Riots of the previous year. The original flag first flew in the Gay Freedom Day Parade in San Francisco on June 25 th, 1978. The Pride flag has a history and there is meaning to the colors. It’s not just about glitter eye shadow, rainbow tights, and tutus. I wonder how many of those Pride revelers knew the significance and history of the colors they were wearing. It was great to see political figures a few celebrities and proud parents along with the LGBT community celebrate with what seemed like the longest parade I had ever witnessed.
There were fun floats, dazzling dancers, and significant supporters. I had a great time even though it was insanely crowded. I went to the store and bought rainbow colored fishnet tights and wore my red Sex Geek t-shirt. Gothy me took one look in my wardrobe and made a dreadful discovery… I hadn’t a stitch of bright colored clothing and the idea of wearing anything bright and cheerful was downright terrifying.īut it’s Pride so I acquiesced. Everyone was going to dress up in bright rainbow inspired outfits tutus, striped stockings, t-shirts, wigs, sunglasses, et al. This time I was invited by a group of friends, which is so much more fun than just going by myself.
It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but never seemed to get around to. By РадужныйФлагКопия2.png via Wikimedia CommonsI remember getting ready to join my friends for my first Pride parade viewing.