The rainbow flag can often be seen waving at Pride parades, and it has a long history as an LGBTQ symbol.
American Gilbert Baker was its original inventor. Decades ago, city official Harvey Milk, an openly gay public official, encouraged Baker to design a unique symbol for the LGBTQ community, and eventually the rainbow symbol was introduced, with Baker explaining that it was a natural flag that came from the sky.
However, the expansion of the influence of this bright and cheerful colour came from a tragic event; the eight-coloured rainbow flag was first displayed on the UN Plaza in June 1978. A few months later, however, the entire LGBTQ community in San Francisco was shocked when Harvey Milk was assassinated on 27 November.
Afterwards, in an effort to express the strength and unity of the LGBTQ community, the Pride Parade Committee decided to adopt this Baker flag.
To this day, the rainbow flag has become a showcase symbol for the LGBTQ community around the world. On its 20th anniversary, Baker declared, "Flags are ripped from the souls of men". The rainbow flag expresses the good intentions of people, without forgetting the difficult and painful journey of the LGBTQ community in their quest for rights.
Author: Penny Peng
Reviewed & Revised & Published & Typeset by Lyn Liu