200 Years of LGBTQIA+ History

From Shadows to Pride — UK & Global Timeline

Source Record

The Rainbow Flag

Why this source is used

GLBT Historical Society account of Gilbert Baker and the original eight-colour rainbow flags raised in San Francisco in June 1978.

Start with the answer

Start with the answer How did Pride marches begin? Pride marches began as public protest and commemoration after Stonewall, then spread through liberation movements that used visibility, solidarity and celebration as political tools. Start with the answer What do Pride flags mean? Pride flags turn identity, solidarity and protest into visible symbols, helping LGBTQ+ communities claim space and recognise one another. Read the topic guide Pride Movement Origins Modern Pride grew from resistance to police harassment, the Stonewall uprising, early liberation organising, and public marches that connected protest with visibility.

Source Status

Publisher
GLBT Historical Society
Type
archive
Reliability
high
Cited by
5 pages

Source Links

Open original source https://www.glbthistory.org/rainbow-flag Accessed 2 June 2026

Used by Topics

Pride Movement Origins Pride Flags and Symbols

Used by Questions

How did Pride marches begin? What do Pride flags mean?

Used by Timeline Events

June 1978 CulturalInternational

Design of the Pride Flag

Artist Gilbert Baker designed the first rainbow flag for San Francisco's Gay Freedom Day Parade, with each colour symbolising a different aspect of LGBTQ+ community and pride. Originally featuring eight stripes, the flag was later simplified to six colours and rapidly became the most widely recognised symbol of LGBTQ+ identity worldwide.