Gilbert Baker
The Rainbow Flag

In reference to Towards Memorial.

The rainbow flag was designed and made by Gilbert Baker in 1978. He wanted it to symbolise diversity in race, gender expression and age. The original flag had eight colours and each stripe had a different meaning:

Pink: Sex
Red: Life
Orange: Healing
Yellow: Sunlight
Green: Nature
Turquoise: Art & Magic
Indigo: Serenity
Violet: Spirit

The flag has evolved over time, initially losing the pink stripe because fabric in that colour was hard to come by. Then, shortly after, it lost its turquoise stripe to make it a more symmetrical and balanced design. It continues to evolve and move with the world.

Baker refused to trademark the flag, as he saw it as a free symbol for the LGBTQ+ community to use – a beautiful gesture. TM.