Baker stated, however, that the idea of a rainbow pride flag did not stem from Garland’s singing of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.Īccording to Baker, “It’s a natural flag. A strong supporter of the gay community, gay men were occasionally called “friends of Dorothy”, in reference to her role in The Wizard of Oz. Some historians have argued that the idea of the rainbow flag came about because of the rainbow’s link to actress Judy Garland. The flag was first flown in San Francisco’s United Nation’s Plaza in June of 1978. Something from us.” Harvey Milk being sworn into office. Despite the Pink Triangle’s prevalence, Baker argued that there was a need for a new symbol “We needed something beautiful. The Pink Triangle was used in Nazis concentration camps to identify men imprisoned for their homosexuality. Several communities at the time had reclaimed the Pink Triangle as a symbol of queer power. “Flags are about proclaiming power” Baker said.īaker was inspired by the United States flag, with its series of stacked lines, and also by Pop Art of the time. He was approached by Harvey Milk, the first openly gay person elected to public office in California, in 1977 to create a symbol of pride for the community. The history of the rainbow flag is a rich, fascinating, and very recent one!Īrtist and activist Gilbert Baker is credited with creating the first pride flag, meant to represent the gay community.
