Visually, Baker also drew from US flag’s stripes, yet symbolically he understood the importance of a banner created by a community, and in defiance of labels created by its oppressors. The design is inspired by Baker’s admiration for the universality of the rainbow as a ‘natural flag in the sky’.” “For the 1978 San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Parade, Gilbert Baker hand dyes and stitches the first rainbow pride flag. “Despite its proximity to Silicon Valley, San Francisco’s most influential piece of activist design is decidedly low tech,” we explain in our new book, California: Designing Freedom. Rather than mourn his death, many took the opportunity to celebrate his work, and the way in which his simple, creation was championed and adopted across the globe. The US artist and activist Gilbert Baker, credited with creating the multicoloured flag, died in New York on 31 March 2017, at the age of 65. However, this year that flag’s creator will be unable to join in the celebrations. Towards the end of this month, in London, New York and elsewhere, rainbow flags will fly in the street in honour of the city’s Pride celebrations. This LGBT Pride Month we remember Gilbert Baker, the creator of one of California’s most potent protest symbols As reproduced in California: Designing Freedom Looking back at the Pride Flag
Gilbert Baker, original eight-stripe Gay Pride flag, 1978.
