Every June 28, the LGTBI Pride Day is celebrated worldwide. One of the most characteristic symbols of this day is carrying the rainbow flag, associated with the gay movement for many years. But what do the colors of the flag mean?
The Gay Pride flag is striking because it is made up of various colors. It has six stripes, one per color, and although it is associated with the rainbow, the truth is that the atmospheric phenomenon has seven colors.
These colors symbolize the diversity of the LGTBI community and its use was born in California , although today it is a global symbol that serves to celebrate and vindicate the rights of the group during this June 28.
History of a flag
Although there is evidence of eight-color flags, very similar to those currently used on Pride Day, during the 1970s, they had nothing to do with the group until the end of the decade.
It was at the well-known San Francisco Pride Festival in 1978 that the eight-color flag was first seen associated with the movement. It was a creation of Gilbert Baker and each color had a meaning:
- Pink – sexuality
- Red – life
- Orange – health
- Yellow – sunlight
- Green – nature
- Turquoise – magic
- Blue – serenity
- Violet – spirit
Harvey Milk murder
It was the assassination of America’s first openly gay politician elected to public office, Harvey Milk , that the demand for a symbol like the flag became much more powerful.
In 79 it was modified again since the central colors were too camouflaged on the street and on the lamp posts. So finally it happened, first from eight to seven colors – pink was eliminated – and later from seven to six, eliminating turquoise.
The six stripes of the flag
Currently, the six-stripe flag is the one recognized by the LGTBI community and is the one that goes out on the streets on Pride Day. The colors represent the diversity of movement and are:
- Red, as a symbol of life (this is why the ribbon against AIDS is also red)
- Orange that refers to health, well-being.
- Yellow, which continues to maintain that contact with the sunlight, as it appeared on the original 1978 flag.
- Green, it also maintains its relationship with nature
- Violeta, refers to the spirit of humanity and the union of peoples.
