Meaning of the gay rainbow

Gay pride is stronger than ever, especially given the momentum of the 20ToGo campaign, which strives for the legalization of gay marriage in the American states that still discriminate against homosexual couples. The ubiquitous rainbow flag hangs from every Chelsea street corner and LGBT-friendly storefront, and, just in time for Pride Month , Mashable traced the history of this infamous flag. It was originally designed in San Francisco by Gilbert Baker, who chose eight colored stripes to represent sexuality pink , life red , healing orange , sun yellow , nature green , art blue , harmony indigo , and spirit purple. Pink was eventually eliminated from the flag because the bright dye used to represent sexuality was not economical. Eventually, Indigo was also eliminated in order to have an even number of stripes.

Other older uses of rainbow flags include a symbol of peace. While this use of the rainbow flag originated in San Francisco , it is now used worldwide. Originally devised by artist Gilbert Baker , the design has undergone several revisions since its debut in , first to remove colors then restore them based on availability of fabrics. The flag is typically flown horizontally, with the red stripe on top, as it would be in a natural rainbow. LGBTQ individuals and allies currently use rainbow flags and many rainbow-themed items and color schemes as an outward symbol of their identity or support. The rainbow flag is also commonly used as a general symbol of social equality and individuality. Gilbert Baker , an openly gay activist born in , grew up in Parsons, Kansas , and went on to serve in the US army for about two years around

It completely astounded me that people just got it, in an instant like a bolt of lightning — that this was their flag. Skip navigation! Story from Queer Voices. I'll never forget the day my something-year-old grandmother grabbed a rainbow belt from the shelf at Spencer's, wrapped it around her waist, and shimmied her hips down the aisle.

In June, you might notice an increasing number of rainbow flags around town. But how did the rainbow come to be associated with LGBT rights in the first place? Courts in 44 states have decided that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of —which protects employees from sex-based discrimination, among other things—does not extend to sexual orientation, while just six hold that it does. As the group continues fighting cases, federal law might change to ban discrimination based on sexuality.