Regardless of who you are or where you are from, you are probably aware on the flag that represent the LGBTQIA community.
It is composed of 6 colors that can be seen in various establishments, theme parks, clothing lines, and even children’s book. This has become the iconic stripes that symbolizes the queer community since 1978.
This has become the illustration of their pride and their journey towards equality. In this article, we will discuss the short history of the flag and the pride colors meaning.
A Quick History of the Flag and the Pride Colors Meaning
The first pride flag was first introduced in the 1978. This has been designed by Gilbert Baker, an artist based in San Francisco.
According to him, the cost of the first rainbow flag is around $ 1,000. Baker was born in Kansas. Later, he relocated to San Francisco to be an Army draftee.
After he was discharged honorably from military, he decided to stay in San Francisco to pursue a career in the design industry.
Baker’s life will change forever after being introduced to Harvey Milk, an LGBTQ activist, in the year 1974. Milk will then gain a seat as a city supervisor in 1977. He became the first-ever elected official that is openly gay in California.
Together with their other friends, Artie Bressan and Cleve Jones, they encouraged Baker to develop an emblem that will represent the entire LGBTQIA community.
Thus, the Pride flag has been developed. Over the years, there have been different variations of this flag.
Rainbow Flag
This is the most recognizable pride flag. This is the original Pride flag that has been designed by Baker.
The first flag includes 8 colors; violet, indigo, turquoise, green, yellow, orange, red, and hot pink. As time passes by, it went through slight modification. It now includes 6 stripes of colors.
Violet
This color stands for spirit. This can be found at the base of the flag. Whether you have six-striped or eight-striped Pride flag, this can be found at the bottom of the flag.
Indigo
This is the symbol of serenity. When the 8 stripes have been replaced by 6 stripes, the indigo together with turquoise has been replaced with blue.
Turquoise
This represents art and magic, just like in most situations.
Green
This color has always been associated with the power of nature.
Yellow
This is a reminder to the LGBTQ community that they should not be afraid to express themselves. The yellow signifies sunlight that can eliminate the dark shadows in our heart.
Orange
Orange pertains to healing. This a bold and bright color that is the second color in the stripes of the rainbow. This symbol has become extremely important during events related with the community.
Red
Red represents vitality and life.
Hot pink
Sex
Different Variations of Pride Flag
As we mentioned above, the flag has gone through various modifications. There have also been different variations that has been introduced over the years.
Philadelphia Rainbow Flag
In the year 2017, the Pride March organizers in Philadelphia has introduced a new type of Pride flag. This one comes with a brown and black flag that is the symbolism of the brown and black people.
Transgender Flag
This flag is designed last 1999 by Monica Helms. This is only comprised of three colors. White is for those who identified themselves as undefined or neutral gender. Soft pink has been the traditional color associated with femininity. Light blue on the other hand, pertains to the boys.
Pansexual Flag
The origin of the pansexual flag is currently unknown. This also comes with three colors; pink, yellow, and blue.
Intersex Flag
This was designed last 2013 by the Intersex International in Australia. This highlight a circle shape that is a symbol of completeness. The yellow that serves as the background is considered as the hermaphrodite in the color spectrum.
Bisexual
This was designed last 1998 by Michael Page. Purple symbolizes people who are attracted to both sexes, blue is for those who are attracted to their opposite sex, and pink is for those who are sexually attracted to same sex.
Asexual Flag
This has been created for the people who do not experience sexual interaction. It has four colors; black for asexuality, purple is for the community, white for the non-asexual allies and partners, gray is for demisexuality and asexuality.
Conclusion
Regardless if you are wearing a shirt with rainbow flag or you are waving a pride flag, it is essential that you know the pride color meaning and the symbolism that it represents.
Many thanks for taking the time to read this article !