Lesson Time! And don’t worry some easy little LGBTQ+ lessons. But, have you ever wondered which “Rainbow Flag” is the “correct flag”? Well, technically if it’s here it’s still valid, they just have their own reasons for becoming the different variations we see these days. Going to break down all the who’s, when’s, and why’s!

HISTORY TIME!

**Each Image has the coordinating word for the color line on the flag. My only note is that Blue/Indigo has been translated as both Serenity or Harmony depending on where you are getting your information from. I feel like both words are closely related, but feel for the point of the graphics just keeping it simple with “Serenity.”

The Classic (Rainbow) Pride Flag-

1980-2000s by Gilbert Baker

Did you know this wasn’t the “original” Pride Flag? It actually is an adaptation of the original that was created just a year previous. It’s two lines short of the original vision. (See below for the difference.) This one is just shared first due to the popularity and familiarity of the flag. All flags to follow were revisions based on this one and it did have the longest time span and is by far the most recognized.

The Original Pride Flag (Gilbert’s Flag)-

1978-1979 by Gilbert Baker

Created by Baker in San Fransico in 1978 after a challenge from Harvey Milk to create a symbol for the community. You may have noticed the difference between the common one and this one. Due to the difficulty in finding the hot pink and light blue fabrics needed for those lines they were eventually removed to form the classic Pride Flag referenced first.

Philadelphia’s Pride Flag-

2017 by Philadelphia’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs

“More Color, More Pride Flag” or at least that was the original intended name for the flag. Created by Amber Hikes and team from the Philadelphia Office of LGBTQ Affairs to draw attention for POC members of the community.

And though not mentioned, there were versions before the Philly one, ones for the 25th Anniversary of the flag. Ones for Gay Marriage and in response to Trump’s election. And there was even one specifically designed for the BLM movement as well as the “Social Justice Pride Flag,” similar to the newer “Progress Flag.”

Progress Flag-

2018 by Daniel Quasar

(This one may just very well be my personal favorite.)

This version has a few explanations floating around out there, but best to get it from the creator himself. As I have seen referenced in a few places that the brown and black lines aren’t just for POC, but for more marginalized communities. The brown line representing the POC members of the community. And the black line for those members we’ve lost to AIDS. This flag ties together with Monica Helms’ creation of the Trans Pride Flag and that of the classic Baker design that’s in use. Another thing to note is the arrow shape. It’s added and pointed to the right as a mark for forward progress, hence the name of the flag.

Lots of RAINBOWS! Tell me, did you learn something? Leave a comment below! But, I hope you enjoyed my little flag-nerdy run down. Also, if you happened to click on a couple of the flag name links, allow me to explain. You may have noticed the site you were being routed to being Pride Flag SD. There’s a reason for that. I’m not getting paid or sponsored for it, but I just felt it’s super important to highlight Queer Owned Small Businesses wherever possible. So go, check them out!