These flags - shows of pride - allow people to be themselves and share their identity with pride. Each LGBTQ+ pride flag instead has an array of color stripes, ordered in a specific way, and each color represents something that relates to the title of the flag.įor example, each color of the rainbow flag has a meaning: the hot pink stripe symbolizes sex, the red stripe symbolizes life, the orange stripe symbolizes healing, the yellow stripe symbolizes sunlight, the green stripe symbolizes nature, the turquoise stripe symbolizes magic and art, the indigo stripe symbolizes serenity, and the violet stripe symbolizes spirit.Īll LGBTQ+ pride flags follow a similar pattern, with each colored stripe symbolizing something that relates to the identity it promotes.Ĭolors are important because they allow flags to be representations of identity. While these principles are important and apply to flags for places like countries and organizations, LGBTQ+ flags don’t quite follow this method. The ideal format for a flag follows the five principles of good flag design: keep it simple, use meaningful symbolism, use 2 to 3 basic colors, have no lettering or seals, and be distinctive or related to what the flag represents. The choice to make the flag rainbow was not one without meaning. The famous rainbow flag has become a worldwide symbol of pride and freedom for the LGBTQ+ community. Though these two men have passed, their story and this part of their legacy is not forgotten. Milk, having expected assassination due to the constant homophobia and threat he faced due to his political position, once stated that “If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door.”īaker died on March 31, 2017, at the age of 65, due to health complications. Harvey Milk was assassinated months later on November 27, 1978. The eight-color design was first flown at the San Fransisco Gay Freedom Day Parade on June 25, 1978. First raising of the new inclusive pride flag design at Philadelphia City Hall (June 8, 2017)īaker stated that he chose the symbol to be a flag because he found flags to be the most powerful symbol of pride.