Be Bold. Be Authentic. Be You.
We want to celebrate everyone’s ability to be their bold, authentic selves, so what better way than to go back in time and recap LGBTQ history?
LGBTQ Pride, symbolized by the famous rainbow flag, has grown from a grassroots movement to a global brand representing a diverse and vibrant community. It’s more than a march: parades, festivals, concerts, and more. LGBTQ Pride’s history is rich with activism, resilience, and evolution, reflecting the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance.
The Birth of LGBTQ Pride
LGBTQ Pride originated in the aftermath of the Stonewall Riots in June 1969. These riots were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations by members of the gay community against a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York City. A pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ rights, the riots galvanized the community and inspired the first Pride marches.
The first official Pride march took place on June 28, 1970, in New York City to commemorate the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Organized by the Christopher Street Liberation Day Committee, this event marked the beginning of the annual Pride celebrations. Similar events soon followed in cities across the United States and around the world, transforming June into what is now recognized as Pride Month.
The Creation of the Pride Flag
The most iconic symbol of LGBTQ Pride is the rainbow flag, created by artist and activist Gilbert Baker in 1978. Baker, a close friend of Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., designed the flag to symbolize hope and liberation. The original flag had eight colors, each representing different aspects of the LGBTQ community:
- Hot Pink for sex
- Red for life
- Orange for healing
- Yellow for sunlight
- Green for nature
- Turquoise for magic/art
- Indigo for serenity
- Violet for spirit
The flag made its debut at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade on June 25, 1978. Due to production difficulties, the flag was later simplified to six stripes, dropping hot pink and merging turquoise and indigo into royal blue.
The Pride Flag’s Evolution
Over the years, the rainbow flag has seen several revisions and adaptations to represent the evolving nature of the LGBTQ community. In 2017, Philadelphia added black and brown stripes to the flag to highlight racism and inclusivity within the LGBTQ community. This version aimed to address the intersectionality of race and sexuality, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ people of color.
In 2018, designer Daniel Quasar introduced the “Progress Pride Flag,” which incorporated the Philadelphia version along with the colors of the transgender flag (blue, pink, and white) in a chevron shape. This design emphasized the importance of inclusion and progress within the community, highlighting the need for continued advocacy for marginalized groups, including transgender individuals and people of color.
The Expansion of the Pride Brand
With the expansion of the Pride brand, its advocacy and education has grown exponentially. Numerous organizations work year-round to support LGBTQ rights, offering resources and support for issues like mental health, HIV/AIDS prevention, and anti-discrimination efforts. Pride events now frequently feature panels, workshops, and forums that tackle these critical topics, fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to equality.
Popular brands have also recognized the significance of Pride. Brands such as Nike, Apple, and Google have launched Pride-themed products and advertisements, showcasing their support for LGBTQ rights.
As the Pride brand continues to evolve, it remains a powerful symbol of resilience and unity. The rainbow flag, in its various iterations, continues to fly high, representing a global community that stands together in the face of adversity. With each passing year, LGBTQ Pride celebrates past victories and looks forward to a future where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can live with dignity and Pride.
