In the lead up to San Francisco’s 1978 gay pride parade, Gilbert Baker stitched together eight strips of vibrantly colored fabric into a rainbow flag that has become the international symbol of the LGBTQ community.
The Birth of a Symbol
On today’s show, we are sharing a conversation with the flag’s creator Gilbert Baker, which originally aired on Outcasting, a public radio program by LGBTQ youth and their straight allies. This interview charts Gilbert’s life of art and activism...and the arc of the LGBTQ rights movement.
A Legacy of Creativity and Advocacy
Pride Month continues with an interview from 2017 with the self-described “gay Betsy Ross.” Gilbert Baker, also known as the “Gay Betsy Ross,” symbolizes the intersection of creativity and advocacy that has defined the LGBTQ rights movement.
The Impact of a Flag
Gilbert Baker’s creation of the rainbow flag not only provided a powerful symbol for the LGBTQ community but also sparked a movement towards visibility and pride. The flag has transcended its original context to become a universal emblem of diversity and acceptance.
Celebrating a Trailblazer
As we commemorate Pride Month, let us remember Gilbert Baker’s legacy as a trailblazer who dared to dream in color. His enduring impact serves as a reminder of the power of art and activism to effect change and inspire generations to come.