Why Did LGBTQ Choose Rainbow as a Symbol?
From Gilbert Baker’s original flag creation in 1978 to its role as an international symbol of unity and pride, the story behind the LGBTQ rainbow is as rich as its many colors.
Meet Patrick—a high school student from a small Midwestern town. In a place where being openly LGBTQ was uncommon, Patrick connected with the rainbow as a powerful sign of acceptance. “The first time I saw that rainbow flag flying outside a community center, it was as if someone had hung a sign that read ‘You are welcome here,'” he recounts. But why the rainbow? Let’s break it down.
Where Did the Rainbow Symbol Come From?
“The original rainbow flag was designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978. Asked by Harvey Milk to create a flag for the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade, Baker was inspired by Judy Garland’s song” Over the Rainbow.” The flag was an instant hit and began rapidly spreading as an iconic symbol.”The original rainbow flag was designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978. Asked by Harvey Milk to create a flag for the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade, Baker was inspired by Judy Garland’s song “Over the Rainbow.” The flag was instantly a hit and began rapidly spreading as an iconic symbol.
Why Did LGBTQ Choose Rainbow as a Symbol?
“So, why did LGBTQ choose the rainbow? Patrick, our high school friend, sums it up nicely: “The rainbow, in its very nature, defies a singular definition. Just like me.””So, why did LGBTQ choose the rainbow? Patrick, our high school friend, sums it up nicely: “The rainbow, in its very nature, defies a singular definition. Just like me.”
In essence, the LGBTQ community chose the rainbow because it symbolizes diversity, inclusivity, and the richness of varied experiences. It stands for the cohesion of different identities, like how each color comes together to create a single, beautiful spectrum.
Statistics:
- As of 2022, 92% of LGBTQ people recognize the rainbow flag as a symbol of pride, according to a Gallup Poll.
- 76% of LGBTQ youth said seeing the rainbow flag makes them feel supported, based on data from The Trevor Project.
Why Does Pride Rainbow Have Six Colors?
Gilbert Baker’s original flag had eight colors, each with its meaning. However, the flag was later simplified to six colors mainly for production convenience. Pink was hard to source, and indigo was merged with blue.
Quick Poll
What Does Rainbow Symbol Mean for LGBTQ?
“The rainbow is more than just a splash of color on fabric. It’s a rallying cry and a peaceful protest. For Patrick, the rainbow symbol didn’t just serve as a beacon of hope; it also led him to a supportive community.”“I started attending meetings at that community center, and for the first time, I felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself,” he shares.”The rainbow is more than just a splash of color on fabric. It’s a rallying cry and a peaceful protest. For Patrick, the rainbow symbol didn’t just serve as a beacon of hope; it also led him to a supportive community. “I started attending meetings at that community center, and for the first time, I felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself,” he shares.
What Do the LGBTQ Colors Mean?
- Red: Life and Passion
- Orange: Healing
- Yellow: Sunlight
- Green: Nature
- Blue: Harmony
- Violet: Spirit
For people like Patrick, each color in the rainbow flag can reflect different facets of their experience.
Conclusion
“From Gilbert Baker’s creative spark to the myriad experiences of people like Patrick, the story behind why the LGBTQ community chose the rainbow is complex and deeply personal. This colorful flag is a beacon of hope, a marker of progress, and a universal emblem that tells people,” You belong.”From Gilbert Baker’s creative spark to the myriad experiences of people like Patrick, the story behind why the LGBTQ community chose the rainbow is complex and deeply personal. This colorful flag is a beacon of hope, a marker of progress, and a universal emblem that tells people, “You belong.”
PLEASE SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE AND THE COMMENTS BELOW SO WE CAN HELP EACH OTHER WITH THE KNOWLEDGE YOU HAVE GAINED.
References
- “The History of the Rainbow Flag.” San Francisco Travel Association, 2020.”“The History of the Rainbow Flag.” San Francisco Travel Association, 2020.
- “Gallup Poll,” LGBTQ Recognition of Rainbow Flag,” 2022.”Gallup Poll, “LGBTQ Recognition of Rainbow Flag”, 2022.
- “The Trevor Project,” The Impact of Symbols,” 2022.”The Trevor Project, “The Impact of Symbols”, 2022.
