The rainbow flag is one of the most recognisable symbols of LGBTQ+ pride around the world. But how did it become such an important symbol, and what do its colours represent?

From its creation in San Francisco in 1978 to the different Pride flags used today, the rainbow flag has evolved alongside the LGBTQ+ community.

What is the history behind the Pride flag?

The first rainbow Pride flag was created in 1978 by artist and activist Gilbert Baker, working with fellow artists and volunteers including Lynn Segerblom and James McNamara.

Baker was encouraged by Harvey Milk, the first openly gay person elected to public office in California, to create a symbol that could represent the gay community.

Baker chose a flag because he saw it as a powerful symbol of visibility and pride. The original flag was handmade and featured eight colours. It was first displayed during San Francisco's Gay Freedom Day celebrations on 25 June 1978.

What do the Pride flag colours mean?

Baker's original flag had eight colours, each with its own meaning:

• • Hot pink – sex
  • Red – life
  • Orange – healing
  • Yellow – sunlight
  • Green – nature
  • Turquoise – art and magic
  • Blue – serenity
  • Purple – spirit

The eight-colour version was later simplified. Hot pink was removed because of difficulties obtaining the fabric, while turquoise was subsequently removed when the flag was adapted for large-scale production and display. This resulted in the familiar six-colour version:

Red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.

Although the design became simpler, its central message remained the same: pride, visibility and diversity.

How has the Pride flag evolved?

The original rainbow flag remains an important symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, but other flags have since been created to represent different identities and experiences within the community.

In 1999, Monica Helms created the Transgender Pride flag, featuring light blue, pink and white stripes.

In 2017, Philadelphia introduced the More Color, More Pride flag, adding black and brown stripes to the rainbow design to highlight LGBTQ+ people of colour.

The following year, designer Daniel Quasar introduced the Progress Pride Flag. It incorporated the black and brown stripes alongside the colours of the Transgender Pride flag, placing them in a chevron at the side of the traditional rainbow. Quasar said the chevron represented forward movement and the continuing need for progress.

Today, the traditional rainbow flag and these newer designs are used alongside numerous identity-specific Pride flags.

The Pride flag today

More than 45 years after the original flag was created, the rainbow remains a powerful symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, visibility and solidarity.

Gilbert Baker continued to work with the rainbow flag throughout his life. In 1994, he created a mile-long rainbow flag for the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising in New York City.

Baker died in 2017, but his legacy lives on through the flag and the communities that continue to use it.

Today, an original 1978 flag fragment is part of the collection of the GLBT Historical Society in San Francisco.

The Pride flag has changed over the years, but its fundamental purpose remains: to make LGBTQ+ people visible and to celebrate the diversity of the community.

Show your Pride

Looking for ways to show your Pride? Explore our range of LGBTQ+ rainbow accessories, including rainbow shoelaces, lanyards, pins and wristbands.

You can also discover our range of LGBTQ+ flags and accessories representing different identities within the community.

Sign up to our newsletter for new products, helpful advice and our latest offers. Plus, you'll receive a free downloadable wallet card for your emergency contact details.