{{Short description|Common symbol of the LGBTQ community}} {{Redirect|Gay pride flag|the flag for gay men|Gay men's flags}} {{For|the different flags of LGBTQ pride|Pride flag}} {{Pp|small=yes}} {{Use American English|date=June 2021}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2023}} {{Infobox flag | Name = Rainbow flag | Image = Gay_Pride_Flag.svg | Imagetext = The most popular version of the flag, with six stripes, first introduced in 1979 | Nickname = LGBTQ Pride flag | Use = Association with the LGBTQ community | Adoption = 1978 | Design = Striped flag, typically six colors (from top to bottom): red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. | Designer = Gilbert Baker }} {{LGBTQ symbols}} [[File:Rainbow flag and blue skies.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|The rainbow flag is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) pride and LGBTQ movements in use since the 1970s.]]
The '''rainbow flag''' or '''pride flag''' (formerly '''gay pride flag''') is a symbol of LGBTQ pride and LGBTQ social movements, as well as a peace symbol. The colors reflect the diversity of the LGBTQ community and the spectrum of human sexuality and gender. Using a rainbow flag as a symbol of LGBTQ pride began in San Francisco, California and subsequently became common at LGBTQ rights events worldwide.
Originally devised by the artists Gilbert Baker, Lynn Segerblom, James McNamara and other activists,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/original-rainbow-pride-flag-returns-san-francisco-after-43-years-180978000/ | title=Long-Lost Fragment of First Rainbow Pride Flag Resurfaces After Four Decades | access-date=May 21, 2022 | archive-date=May 21, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521172958/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/original-rainbow-pride-flag-returns-san-francisco-after-43-years-180978000/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.lgbtqhp.org/rainbow-flag | title=The Rainbow Flag: Lynn Segerblom & Lee Mentley | date=October 2, 2023 | access-date=June 11, 2022 | archive-date=May 18, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518062209/https://www.lgbtqhp.org/rainbow-flag | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.losangelesblade.com/2018/03/02/woman-behind-rainbow-flag/ | title=The woman behind the Rainbow Flag | date=March 3, 2018 | access-date=June 11, 2022 | archive-date=June 10, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610042007/https://www.losangelesblade.com/2018/03/02/woman-behind-rainbow-flag/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://wehotimes.com/herstory-meet-lynn-segerblom-one-of-the-creators-of-the-original-1978-rainbow-flag/ | title=HERSTORY – Meet Lynn Segerblom, One of the Creators of the Original 1978 Rainbow Flag - WeHo Times West Hollywood Daily News, Nightlife and Events | date=July 18, 2018 | access-date=June 11, 2022 | archive-date=September 29, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929014504/https://wehotimes.com/herstory-meet-lynn-segerblom-one-of-the-creators-of-the-original-1978-rainbow-flag/ | url-status=live }}</ref> the design underwent several revisions after its debut in 1978, and continues to inspire variations. Although Baker's original rainbow flag had eight colors,<ref name=Rainbow>{{cite web |url=https://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/user/scotts/bulgarians/rainbow-flag.html |title=The Rainbow Flag |access-date=May 29, 2021 |archive-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928164745/https://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/user/scotts/bulgarians/rainbow-flag.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url = https://www.metroweekly.com/2007/10/pride-flyin-flag/ |title = Pride-Flyin' Flag: Rainbow-flag founder marks 30-years anniversary |magazine = Metro Weekly |author = Gilbert Baker |date = October 18, 2007 |access-date = March 13, 2008 |archive-date = August 12, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140812012749/http://www.metroweekly.com/2007/10/pride-flyin-flag/ |url-status = live }}</ref> from 1979 to the present day the most common variant consists of six stripes: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. The flag is typically displayed horizontally, with the red stripe on top, as it would be in a natural rainbow.
LGBTQ people and allies currently use rainbow flags and many rainbow-themed items and color schemes as an outward symbol of their identity or support. There are derivations of the rainbow flag that are used to focus attention on specific causes or groups within the community (e.g. transgender people, fighting the AIDS epidemic, inclusion of LGBTQ people of color). In addition to the rainbow, many other flags and symbols are used to communicate specific identities within the LGBTQ community.
==History== ===Origin=== thumb|upright=.75|Gilbert BakerGilbert Baker was an American artist and activist known for designing the rainbow flag. Born in 1951 in Parsons, Kansas, Baker served in the United States Army from 1970 to 1972. After his discharge, he learned to sew and became involved in the gay rights movement in San Francisco.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kratz |first=Jessie |date=2022-06-03 |title=Facial Hair Friday: Gilbert Baker and the Rainbow Flag |url=https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2022/06/03/facial-hair-friday-gilbert-baker-and-the-rainbow-flag/ |access-date=2025-11-03 |website=Pieces of History |language=en-US}}</ref>
Influenced by his friend and gay rights activist, Harvey Milk, Baker adopted Milk’s call for openness and truth among gay people. He saw the flag as a direct way to express presence and identity.<ref>{{cite web |title=MoMA Acquires the Rainbow Flag |url=http://www.moma.org/explore/inside_out/2015/06/17/moma-acquires-the-rainbow-flag/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509062945/http://www.moma.org/explore/inside_out/2015/06/17/moma-acquires-the-rainbow-flag/ |archive-date=May 9, 2016 |access-date=May 5, 2016 |website=MoMA.org |publisher=Museum of Modern Art}}</ref> At the urging of filmmaker Arthur J. Bressan Jr., Baker created the rainbow flag to serve as a symbol for the movement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 11, 2019 |title=Rainbow Flag: Origin Story {{!}} Gillbert Baker |url=https://gilbertbaker.com/rainbow-flag-origin-story/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411163443/https://gilbertbaker.com/rainbow-flag-origin-story/ |archive-date=April 11, 2019 |access-date=June 11, 2019}}</ref>
The first flags appeared on June 25, 1978, during the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade celebration.<ref name="GLBTHS20212">{{cite web |date=June 25, 1978 |title=Rainbow Flag |url=https://www.glbthistory.org/rainbow-flag |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618122902/https://www.glbthistory.org/rainbow-flag |archive-date=June 18, 2021 |access-date=June 17, 2021 |website=GLBT Historical Society}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2021 |title=What Is The Original Gilbert Baker Rainbow Pride Flag, And What Does It Stand For? |url=https://queerintheworld.com/original-gilbert-baker-rainbow-pride-flag/ |access-date=January 25, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
According to a profile published in the ''Bay Area Reporter'' in 1985, Baker "chose the rainbow motif because of its associations with the hippie movement of the Sixties but he notes that the use of the design dates all the way back to ancient Egypt".<ref>{{cite news|author=Mike Hippler |url=https://archive.org/details/BAR_19851114/page/n7/mode/2up |title=Gilbert Baker: Street queen at the ball |newspaper=Bay Area Reporter |date=November 14, 1985 |access-date=June 25, 2018}}</ref> People have speculated that Baker was inspired by the Judy Garland song "Over the Rainbow" (Garland being among the first gay icons),<ref>{{cite book |author = The National Museum & Archive of Lesbian and Gay History |author2 = Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center |year = 1996 |title = The Gay Almanac |location = New York |publisher = Berkley Books |isbn = 978-0-425-15300-0 |oclc = 636576927 |page = [https://archive.org/details/gayalmanac00lesb/page/94 94] |url = https://archive.org/details/gayalmanac00lesb/page/94 }}</ref><ref name="Higgs1999">{{cite book |last = Higgs |first = David |title = Queer Sites: Gay Urban Histories Since 1600 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=BeKncyQyBEwC&pg=PA173 |access-date = November 19, 2012 |year = 1999 |publisher = Psychology Press |isbn = 978-0-415-15897-8 |pages = 173– |via = Google Books }}</ref> but when asked, Baker said that it was "more about the Rolling Stones and their song 'She's a Rainbow{{'"}}.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Fitzharris |first=Dustin |date=June 27, 2008 |title=True Colors Shining Through: The rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBT Pride, celebrates three decades |url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=qth&AN=33516989&site=eds-live&scope=site |journal=New York Blade |volume=12 |issue=26 |pages=9 |quote="I come from the '60s, so [the flag's] more about the Rolling Stones and their song 'She's a Rainbow'", Baker said. "That era was a time when people were asserting themselves as artists in the true sense. But, I get the Garland thing, and being from Kansas, I double get it." |via=EBSCO |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |access-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518221626/https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=qth&AN=33516989&site=eds-live&scope=site |url-status=live }}</ref> Baker was likely influenced by the "Brotherhood Flag" (with five horizontal stripes to represent different races: red, white, brown, yellow, and black) popular among the world peace movement and hippie movement of the 1960s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/int-wpa.html |title=World Peace Association: Brotherhood flag |publisher=Crwflags.com |access-date=June 25, 2018 |archive-date=June 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630201123/http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/int-wpa.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Joye|first=Paula|date=November 18, 2011|title=Wear it proud. Say it loud|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|url=https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/wear-it-proud-say-it-loud-20111116-1nicd.html|access-date=April 7, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602052431/https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/wear-it-proud-say-it-loud-20111116-1nicd.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Carleton">{{cite web |url = http://apps.carleton.edu/campus/gsc/ally/lgbtsymbols/ |publisher = Carleton College |title = Symbols of Pride of the LGBTQ community |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080907001747/http://apps.carleton.edu/campus/gsc/ally/lgbtsymbols/ |archive-date = September 7, 2008 }} Noted as sourced to ''The Alyson Almanac'' from the college's library.</ref><ref>{{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=pXAsU1sQG1AC |title = San Francisco: The Unknown City |first1 = Helene |last1 = Goupil |first2 = Josh |last2 = Krist |publisher = Arsenal Pulp Press |year = 2005 |isbn = 978-1-55152-188-6 |page = 33 }}</ref>
The first rainbow flags commissioned by the fledgling pride committee were produced by a team that included artist Lynn Segerblom.<ref>{{Cite news |url = http://www.losangelesblade.com/2018/03/02/woman-behind-rainbow-flag/ |title = The woman behind the Rainbow Flag |date = March 2, 2018 |work = Los Angeles Blade |access-date = March 8, 2018 |language = en-US |archive-date = March 5, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180305183123/http://www.losangelesblade.com/2018/03/02/woman-behind-rainbow-flag/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Segerblom was then known as Faerie Argyle Rainbow; according to her, she created the original dyeing process for the flags.<ref>{{cite news |author=Hailey Branson-Potts |url=http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-rainbow-flags-20180531-story.html |title=On the 40th anniversary of the LGBTQ pride symbol, artist wants her rainbow flag story told |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=June 8, 2018 |access-date=June 25, 2018 |archive-date=June 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625075747/http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-rainbow-flags-20180531-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Thirty volunteers hand-dyed and stitched the first two flags for the parade.<ref name="witt">{{cite book|title=Out in All Directions: A Treasury of Gay and Lesbian America|url=https://archive.org/details/outinalldirectio00witt|url-access=registration|publisher=Warner Books|year=1995|isbn=978-0-446-67237-5|editor-last=Witt|editor-first=Lynn|location=New York|page=[https://archive.org/details/outinalldirectio00witt/page/435 435]|oclc=37034700|editor2-last=Thomas|editor2-first=Sherry|editor3-last=Marcus|editor3-first=Eric}}</ref> The original flag design had eight stripes, with a specific meaning assigned to each of the colors:<ref>{{cite web |url = http://abc7news.com/society/san-francisco-creator-of-gay-flag-shares-story-of-strength-pride/1780322/ |title = San Francisco creator of gay flag shares story of strength, pride |date = March 1, 2017 |department = ABC7 News |publisher = KGO-TV |access-date = June 2, 2017 |archive-date = June 20, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170620075816/http://abc7news.com/society/san-francisco-creator-of-gay-flag-shares-story-of-strength-pride/1780322/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |date=June 23, 2016 |title=How the Pride Rainbow Flag Came to Be |medium=video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_bzpr2jalQ&t=150 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/S_bzpr2jalQ |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|access-date=June 2, 2017 |time=2:30 |publisher=NBC News |quote=It's a flag, it needed to have depth, and so I liked the idea that each color would represent an element of everyone's life. |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |date=June 23, 2016 |title=Gilbert Baker: The Gay Betsy Ross |medium=video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rx-SjnRf-c&t=150 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/1rx-SjnRf-c |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|access-date=June 2, 2017 |time=2:31 |publisher=In the Life Media |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
{| style="font-size:90%; border-collapse:collapse; border-width:0; margin: 0 auto" |- | style="height: 22px; text-align:right; padding-right:1ex" | Hot pink || style="width:288px; background:hotPink;"| || style="padding-left:1ex" | Sex |- | style="height: 22px; text-align:right; padding-right:1ex" | Red || style="background:#f00" | || style="padding-left:1ex" | Life |- | style="height: 22px; text-align:right; padding-right:1ex" | Orange || style="background:#ff8e00" | || style="padding-left:1ex" | Healing |- | style="height: 22px; text-align:right; padding-right:1ex" | Yellow || style="background:#ff0" | || style="padding-left:1ex" | Sunlight |- | style="height: 22px; text-align:right; padding-right:1ex" | Green || style="background:#008e00" | || style="padding-left:1ex" | Nature |- | style="height: 22px; text-align:right; padding-right:1ex" | Turquoise || style="background:#00c0c0" | || style="padding-left:1ex" | Magic/Art |- | style="height: 22px; text-align:right; padding-right:1ex" | Indigo || style="background:#400098" | || style="padding-left:1ex" | Serenity |- | style="height: 22px; text-align:right; padding-right:1ex" | Violet || style="background:#8e008e" | || style="padding-left:1ex" | Spirit |}
The two flags originally created for the 1978 parade were believed lost for over four decades, until a remnant of one was discovered among Baker's belongings in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Melendez|first=Lyanne|date=June 5, 2021|title=Original rainbow flag returns home to San Francisco after being lost for more than 40 years|url=https://6abc.com/10748503/|access-date=June 10, 2021|website=6abc Philadelphia|language=en|archive-date=June 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610125853/https://6abc.com/10748503/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="McGreevy2021">{{cite web | last=McGreevy | first=Nora | title=Long-Lost Fragment of First Rainbow Pride Flag Resurfaces After Four Decades | website=Smithsonian Magazine | date=June 16, 2021 | url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/original-rainbow-pride-flag-returns-san-francisco-after-43-years-180978000/ | access-date=May 21, 2022 | archive-date=May 21, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521172958/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/original-rainbow-pride-flag-returns-san-francisco-after-43-years-180978000/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
=== 1978 to 1979 === {{Multiple image | image1 = Gay flag 8.svg | caption1 = Original eight-stripe version designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978 | image2 = Gay flag 7.svg | caption2 = Seven-color version due to unavailability of pink fabric (1978–1979) | image3 = Gay Pride Flag.svg | caption3 = Six-color version popular since 1979, with turquoise and indigo replaced with blue | total_width = 400 }}
After the assassination of gay San Francisco City Supervisor Harvey Milk on November 27, 1978,<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Francisco leaders George Moscone and Harvey Milk are murdered |url=https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/san-francisco-leaders-george-moscone-and-harvey-milk-are-murdered |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=HISTORY |date=November 13, 2009 |language=en |archive-date=January 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128042758/https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/san-francisco-leaders-george-moscone-and-harvey-milk-are-murdered |url-status=live }}</ref> demand for the rainbow flag greatly increased. In response, the San Francisco-based Paramount Flag Company began selling a version using stock rainbow fabric with seven stripes: red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue, and violet. As Baker ramped up production of his version of the flag, he too dropped the hot pink stripe because fabric in that color was not readily available. The Paramount Flag Company also began selling a surplus stock of Rainbow Girls flags from its retail store on the southwest corner of Polk and Post, at which Gilbert Baker was an employee.<ref name="Unsung Hero">{{cite news |url = http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/08/Apr/1801.htm |title = Unsung Heroes of the Gay World: Vexillographer Gilbert Baker: The Gay Betsy Ross |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090721053735/http://ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/08/Apr/1801.htm |archive-date = July 21, 2009 |work = UK Gay News |date = April 17, 2008 |access-date = September 23, 2009 }}</ref>
In 1979, the flag was modified again.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of the Pride Flag |url=https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/images/Smart%20Mobility/History%20of%20the%20Pride%20Flag.pdf |access-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127130121/https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/images/Smart%20Mobility/History%20of%20the%20Pride%20Flag.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Aiming to decorate the street lamps along the parade route with hundreds of rainbow banners, Baker decided to split the motif in two with an even number of stripes flanking each lamp pole. To achieve this effect, he dropped the turquoise stripe that had been used in the seven-stripe flag. The result was the six-stripe version of the flag that would become the standard for future production—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.<ref name="Unsung Hero" />
===1980s to 2000s=== [[File:Gay Pride march in London 1999 (2).jpg|thumb|Rainbow flag at Pride London, 1999]]
In 1989, the rainbow flag came to further nationwide attention in the U.S. after John Stout sued his landlords and won when they attempted to prohibit him from displaying the flag from his West Hollywood, California, apartment balcony.<ref>{{cite news |last = Russell |first = Ron |url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-12-08-we-1471-story.html |title = Removal of 'Gay Pride' Flag Ordered: Tenant Suit Accuses Apartment Owner of Bias |work = Los Angeles Times |date = December 8, 1988 |at = Part 9, 6 }}</ref>
In 2000, the University of Hawaii at Manoa changed its sports teams' name from "Rainbow Warriors" to "Warriors" and redesigned its logo to eliminate a rainbow from it. Athletic director Hugh Yoshida initially said that the change was to distance the school's athletic program from homosexuality. When this drew criticism, Yoshida then said the change was merely to avoid brand confusion.<ref>{{cite news |last = Whitley |first = David |title = More buzz over 'Bows |work = Orlando Sentinel |date = August 9, 2008 |url = http://archives.starbulletin.com/2000/08/09/editorial/viewpoint.html |access-date = December 17, 2008 |archive-date = November 14, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101114055749/http://archives.starbulletin.com/2000/08/09/editorial/viewpoint.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The school then allowed each team to select its own name, leading to a mix including "Rainbow Warriors", "Warriors", "Rainbows" and "Rainbow Wahine". This decision was reversed in February 2013, by athletic director Ben Jay, dictating that all men's athletic teams be nicknamed "Warriors" and all women's teams "Rainbow Warriors". In May 2013, all teams were once again called "Rainbow Warriors" regardless of sex.<ref>{{cite web |title = Nickname Of UH Men's Teams To Be Rainbow Warriors |url = https://hawaiiathletics.com/news/2013/5/14/GEN_0514135044.aspx?path=gen |access-date = July 31, 2020 |url-status = live |date = May 14, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191102000257/https://hawaiiathletics.com/news/2013/5/14/GEN_0514135044.aspx?path=gen |archive-date = November 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Hawaii football changing name back to Rainbow Warriors |url = https://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/15/hawaii-football-changing-name-back-to-rainbow-warriors |access-date = July 31, 2020 |newspaper = NBC Sports |date = May 15, 2013 |author = Ben Kercheval |archive-date = May 28, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200528174342/https://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/15/hawaii-football-changing-name-back-to-rainbow-warriors/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
In 2004 several gay businesses in London were ordered by Westminster City Council to remove the rainbow flag from their premises, as its display required planning permission.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/jun/04/localgovernment.gayrights|title=Council bans gay firms from flying the flag|last=Barkham|first=Patrick|date=June 4, 2005|work=The Guardian|access-date=July 31, 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=July 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731125315/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/jun/04/localgovernment.gayrights|url-status=live}}</ref> When one shop applied for permission, the Planning sub-committee refused the application on the chair's casting vote (May 19, 2005), a decision condemned by gay councillors in Westminster and the then-Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone. In November the council announced a reversal of policy, stating that most shops and bars would be allowed to fly the rainbow flag without planning permission.
In June 2004 LGBTQ activists sailed to Australia's uninhabited Coral Sea Islands Territory and raised the rainbow flag, proclaiming the territory independent of Australia, calling it the Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea Islands in protest to the Australian government's refusal to recognize same-sex marriages. The rainbow flag was the official flag of the claimed kingdom until its dissolution in 2017 following the legalisation of same sex marriage in Australia.<ref>{{cite news |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070710203915/http://www.gayandlesbiankingdom.com/introduction.htm |url = http://www.gayandlesbiankingdom.com/introduction.htm |archive-date = July 10, 2007 |title = Introduction |publisher = Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea Islands }}</ref>
===2010s to present=== [[File:Celebrating a new America -lovewins 58242 (18588276403).jpg|thumb|The White House illuminated in the rainbow flag colors in June 2015]]
In June 2015, The Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan added the rainbow flag symbol to its design collection.<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Lowder |first1 = J. Bryan |title = MoMA Preserves Pride by Acquiring the Rainbow Flag |url = http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2015/06/18/moma_adds_the_rainbow_flag_to_design_collection_during_lgbtq_pride_month.html |access-date = June 24, 2015 |work = Slate |date = June 18, 2015 |archive-date = June 23, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150623225341/http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2015/06/18/moma_adds_the_rainbow_flag_to_design_collection_during_lgbtq_pride_month.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1 = Antonelli |first1 = Paola |last2 = Fisher |first2 = Michelle Millar |title = MoMA Acquires the Rainbow Flag |url = http://www.moma.org/explore/inside_out/2015/06/17/moma-acquires-the-rainbow-flag/ |publisher = Museum of Modern Art |access-date = June 24, 2015 |date = June 17, 2015 |archive-date = May 9, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160509062945/http://www.moma.org/explore/inside_out/2015/06/17/moma-acquires-the-rainbow-flag/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1 = Martinez |first1 = Alanna |title = The Rainbow Flag Joins the Museum of Modern Art's Collection |url = http://observer.com/2015/06/the-rainbow-flag-joins-momas-collection/ |access-date = June 24, 2015 |work = Observer |date = June 17, 2015 |archive-date = June 27, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150627184103/http://observer.com/2015/06/the-rainbow-flag-joins-momas-collection/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The flag was also included in MoMA's ''Pirouette: Turning Points in Design,'' a 2025 exhibition which featured "widely recognized design icons [...] highlighting pivotal moments in design history."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pirouette: Turning Points in Design |url=https://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/5756 |access-date=6 November 2025 |website=The Museum of Modern Art}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 January 2025 |title=NASA Worm as Art, Museum of Modern Art Opens Exhibition Featuring NASA Worm |url=https://www.nasa.gov/get-involved/art-program/museum-of-modern-art-exhibits-nasa-worm/ |access-date=6 November 2025 |website=NASA}}</ref><ref name="Feeney-2025">{{Cite web |last=Feeney |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Feeney |date=23 July 2025 |title=At MoMA, designs for living |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/07/23/arts/moma-designs-living/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250724091754/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/07/23/arts/moma-designs-living/ |archive-date=24 Jul 2025 |access-date=6 November 2025 |website=The Boston Globe}}</ref>
On June 26, 2015, the White House was illuminated in the rainbow flag colors to commemorate the legalization of same-sex marriages in all 50 U.S. states, following the ''Obergefell v. Hodges'' Supreme Court decision.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=de Vries |first2=Allie |last2=Malloy |first1=Karl |date=June 27, 2015 |title=White House shines rainbow colors to hail same-sex marriage ruling |url=https://www.cnn.com/2015/06/26/politics/white-house-rainbow-marriage/index.html |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127112838/https://www.cnn.com/2015/06/26/politics/white-house-rainbow-marriage/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
An emoji version of the flag ({{Char|🏳️🌈}}) was formally proposed in July 2016,<ref name="Bhattacharya">{{cite web | last=Bhattacharya | first=Ananya | title=Unicode receives proposal to add a rainbow flag emoji by the end of 2016 | website=Quartz | url=https://qz.com/737351/theres-now-a-formal-proposal-for-a-rainbow-flag-emoji/ | date=July 20, 2016 | access-date=February 8, 2020 | archive-date=May 17, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517204434/https://qz.com/737351/theres-now-a-formal-proposal-for-a-rainbow-flag-emoji/ | url-status=live }}</ref> and released that November.<ref name="Emojipedia2016">{{cite web | title=Emoji Version 4.0 List | website=Emojipedia | date=November 28, 2016 | url=https://emojipedia.org/emoji-4.0/ | access-date=February 8, 2020 | archive-date=February 12, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212143918/https://emojipedia.org/emoji-4.0/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
A portion of one of the original 1978 rainbow flags was donated to the GLBT Historical Society Museum and Archives in San Francisco in April 2021; the section is the only known surviving remnant of the two inaugural eight-color rainbow flags.<ref name="GLBTHS2021">{{cite web | title=Rainbow Flag | website=GLBT Historical Society | date=June 25, 1978 | url=https://www.glbthistory.org/rainbow-flag | access-date=June 17, 2021 | archive-date=June 18, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618122902/https://www.glbthistory.org/rainbow-flag | url-status=live }}</ref>
Polish nationalists trampled, spat on, and burned the rainbow flag during Independence Day marches in Warsaw in the 2020s. In one case a mob burned down a residential building because it was flying a rainbow flag and had a Women's Strike sign.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-far-right-brought-chaos-to-warsaw-on-polands-independence-day/ |title=The Far-Right Brought Chaos to Warsaw on Poland's Independence Day |work=Vice |last=Hume |first=Tim |date=November 11, 2021 |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |access-date=May 12, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203205309/https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-far-right-brought-chaos-to-warsaw-on-polands-independence-day/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In Norway, the flag is reported to symbolize diversity, unity and inclusion, in addition to freedom to be whoever one wants to be and to love whoever one wants to love.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ung.no/Homofil/3214_Hva_betyr_regnbueflagget.html|title=Hva betyr regnbueflagget?|date=February 7, 2013|website=Ung.no|access-date=June 5, 2023|archive-date=June 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617144421/https://www.ung.no/Homofil/3214_Hva_betyr_regnbueflagget.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Transnationalism == {{See also|Rainbow#Culture and mythology}}
The rainbow flag has been repurposed to manifest a multitude of transnational and globalized ways of being queer. In a few scholarly articles, the rainbow flag is described as a "floating signifier".<ref name="Klapeer-2018">{{Cite journal|last1=Klapeer|first1=Christine M.|last2=Laskar|first2=Pia|date=September 3, 2018|title=Transnational ways of belonging and queer ways of being. Exploring transnationalism through the trajectories of the rainbow flag|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1070289x.2018.1507958|journal=Identities|volume=25|issue=5|pages=524–541|doi=10.1080/1070289x.2018.1507958|s2cid=150001156|issn=1070-289X|url-access=subscription|archive-date=August 27, 2022|access-date=December 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827192443/https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1070289X.2018.1507958|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Laskar-2017">{{Cite journal|last1=Laskar|first1=Pia|last2=Johansson|first2=Anna|last3=Mulinari|first3=Diana|date=February 28, 2017|title=Decolonising the Rainbow Flag|journal=Culture Unbound|volume=8|issue=3|pages=193–217|doi=10.3384/cu.2000.1525.1683193|issn=2000-1525|doi-access=free}}</ref> A floating signifier refers to the person giving the object its interpreted meaning and significance.<ref name="Laskar-2017" /> Flags are ambivalent symbols that hold different ideologies, meanings, and agendas depending on the beholder. Therefore, the rainbow flag is a boundary object that not only brings together queer communities locally and transnationally, but can also create debates and conflicts.<ref name="Klapeer-2018" />
In March 2016, rainbow stamps were created by a postal service common to Sweden and Denmark celebrating pride traversing borders internationally.<ref name="Klapeer-2018" /> It has become common to display a rainbow in store fronts or on websites to indicate that the space is queer-friendly.<ref name="Klapeer-2018" /><ref name="Alm-2017">{{Cite journal|last1=Alm|first1=Erika|last2=Martinsson|first2=Lena|date=February 28, 2017|title=The rainbow flag as friction: transnational imagined communities of belonging among Pakistani LGBTQ activists|journal=Culture Unbound|volume=8|issue=3|pages=218–239|doi=10.3384/cu.2000.1525.1683218|issn=2000-1525|doi-access=free}}</ref> Many government official buildings in countries in Europe and America display the rainbow flag.<ref name="Klapeer-2018" /><ref name="Laskar-2017" />
In some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, it is illegal to sell (or wear) "rainbow-coloured" items, as it "indirectly promotes homosexuality" and claims to "contradict normal common sense".<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Mahmood |first1=Zahid |last2=Basil |first2=Yousuf |date=June 19, 2022 |title=Rainbow-colored toys and clothing are seized in Saudi Arabia for indirectly 'promoting homosexuality' |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/19/middleeast/saudi-arabia-rainbow-colored-toys-ban-intl/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=February 7, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207091455/https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/19/middleeast/saudi-arabia-rainbow-colored-toys-ban-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The motives have aroused international criticism.<!-- google-translated twitter message: "Video | Justify them as the colors of the rainbow Arrest of stores in Riyadh that sell games that indirectly promote homosexuality." and from Ministry of Commerce @MCgovSA "Our supervisory teams carry out rounds of sales outlets, seize and confiscate products that contain symbols and indications that call for anomalies and contradict normal common sense, and impose legal penalties on violating establishments."--><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 15, 2022 |title=Saudi authorities seize rainbow toys for promoting homosexuality |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-61813390 |access-date=September 7, 2022 |archive-date=September 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907144051/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-61813390 |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Coded flags=== Coded or hidden flags have been made using colors of the rainbow to support LGBTQ rights and express political views. In 2018, Russia hosted the FIFA World Cup, which partially coincided with Pride Month. Because Russian legislation bans the display of LGBTQ symbols, Spanish LGBTQ rights group FELGTB and Spanish creative agency LOLA Mullenlowe conceived a plan for six activists from six countries to wear a team jersey from their country during the tournament. The colors of the six jerseys corresponded with the colors of the rainbow flag (Spain, red; The Netherlands, orange; Brazil, yellow; Mexico, green; Argentina, blue; Colombia, purple). They travelled around Russia together, positioned so that their jerseys formed a rainbow that was visible to the public but seemingly inconspicuous to authorities. Pictures of the group standing together in front of famous Russian buildings and next to police officers circulated online. This action was intended, in part, to raise awareness about Russia's anti-LGBTQ laws.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bratek |first=Rebecca |date=2018-07-10 |title=Activists create "hidden" rainbow flag to get around Russia's LGBTQ flag ban - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/activists-create-hidden-rainbow-flag-to-get-around-russias-lgbtq-flag-ban/ |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=December 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208003700/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/activists-create-hidden-rainbow-flag-to-get-around-russias-lgbtq-flag-ban/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zanger |first=Doug |date=2018-07-10 |title=This Rainbow Flag Creatively Outsmarted Russian LGBTQ Laws |url=https://www.adweek.com/creativity/this-rainbow-flag-creatively-outsmarted-russian-lgbtq-laws/ |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=www.adweek.com |language=en-US |archive-date=July 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720132042/https://www.adweek.com/creativity/this-rainbow-flag-creatively-outsmarted-russian-lgbtq-laws/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In Poland on August 6, 2020, President Andrzej Duda was sworn in for a second term supporting an anti-LGBTQ campaign<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelleher |first=Patrick |date=August 6, 2020 |title=Terrified queer Poles are fleeing the country as homophobic president Andrzej Duda is sworn in for second term |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2020/08/06/poland-president-andrzej-duda-swearing-in-homophobia-lgbt-rights-same-sex-marriage-family/ |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=PinkNews |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127113616/https://www.thepinknews.com/2020/08/06/poland-president-andrzej-duda-swearing-in-homophobia-lgbt-rights-same-sex-marriage-family/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the opposing politicians planned to coordinate and wear a colored outfit to each represent a color of the rainbow to stand in protest.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Santora|first=Marc|date=August 6, 2020|title=In Poland, the Rainbow Flag Is Wrapped Up in a Broader Culture War|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/06/world/europe/poland-rainbow-flag-statues.html|access-date=December 7, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815170737/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/06/world/europe/poland-rainbow-flag-statues.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Critiques === Concern has been expressed among some{{Who|date=April 2026}} of the rainbow symbol being white-washed and regressed to maintain a Eurocentric and colonial influence.<ref name="Laskar-2017" /> There is also a critique made about how the pride flag has deviated too much from its purpose as a radical symbol for queer rights specifically.<ref name="Laskar-2017" />
==Notable variations== {{multiple image | align = right | border = infobox | total_width = 300 | image_style = border:1; | caption_align = center | perrow = 2/2/2 | header_background = | header_align = center | header = Notable variations | image1 = 2017 rainbow flag.svg | caption1 = Gilbert Baker nine-stripe flag | image2 = Intersex-inclusive_pride_flag.svg | caption2 = Intersex Inclusive Progress Pride Flag | image3 = New Pride Flag by Julia Feliz 2018.svg | caption3 = New Pride Flag | image4 = Philadelphia_Pride_Flag.svg | caption4 = Philadelphia eight-stripe flag | image5 = LGBTQ+_rainbow_flag_Quasar_"Progress"_variant.svg | caption5 = Progress Pride Flag | image6 = Rainbow Gadsden flag.svg | caption6 = Rainbow Gadsden flag | image7 = Social Justice Pride Flag.svg | caption7 = Social Justice Pride Flag }}
===Gilbert Baker's nine-stripe flag=== Gilbert Baker created a nine-stripe version of the flag in March 2017, adding a lavender stripe to symbolize diversity. Baker created the flag in response to the 2016 election of Donald Trump.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 9, 2017 |title=Our Enduring LGBTQ Symbols |url=https://sfbaytimes.com/our-enduring-lgbtq-symbols/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706035438/https://sfbaytimes.com/our-enduring-lgbtq-symbols/ |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |access-date=March 22, 2017 |website=sfbaytimes.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Haag |first1=Matthew |date=April 2017 |title=Gilbert Baker, Gay Activist Who Created the Rainbow Flag, Dies at 65 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/31/us/obituary-gilbert-baker-rainbow-flag.html |access-date=July 23, 2018 |newspaper=The New York Times |language=en |archive-date=April 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170403051859/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/31/us/obituary-gilbert-baker-rainbow-flag.html?_r=0 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wong |first=Curtis M. |date=June 7, 2018 |title=The History And Meaning Of The Rainbow Pride Flag |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/rainbow-pride-flag-history_us_5b193aafe4b0599bc6e124a0 |access-date=July 23, 2018 |work=Huffington Post |language=en-US |archive-date=July 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726012058/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/rainbow-pride-flag-history_us_5b193aafe4b0599bc6e124a0 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Flags by Gilbert Baker |url=https://gilbertbaker.com/flags/ |access-date=July 23, 2018 |website=gilbertbaker.com |language=en-US |archive-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724032141/https://gilbertbaker.com/flags/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===New Pride Flag=== This rainbow flag design is diagonal black, brown, light blue, pink, and white stripes overlaid on a traditional six-color rainbow flag. The design is intended to represent transgender and queer people of color. Puerto Rican author and vegan activist Julia Feliz conceived the idea, and Hayley Brown designed the flag to focus on transgender and queer people of color.<ref name="Bollinger-2018">{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Alex |date=2018-08-24 |title=Could this Pride flag that 'respects Puerto Rico' replace the rainbow flag? |url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2018/08/pride-flag-respects-puerto-rico-replace-rainbow-flag/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=LGBTQ Nation |archive-date=July 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715144837/https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2018/08/pride-flag-respects-puerto-rico-replace-rainbow-flag/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-21 |title=New Pride Flag |url=https://www.newprideflag.com/mission/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |archive-date=June 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621081213/https://www.newprideflag.com/mission/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
This design resembles a flag proposed earlier by Daniel Quasar, which used a chevron of similar colors on a rainbow background. Quasar's design aimed to represent the same identity groups. The new design's creators, Julia Feliz and Hayley Brown, do not acknowledge Quasar's design. Some critics allege that the Quasar design appropriates aspects of the Puerto Rico Pride flag, while Quasar maintains their design was unintentional and supports the new campaign. The use of chevrons in flags is common, but diagonally placed stripes are less so.<ref name="Bollinger-2018" />
===Philadelphia eight-stripe flag=== In June 2017, the city of Philadelphia adopted a revised version of the flag designed by the marketing firm Tierney that adds black and brown stripes to the top of the standard six-color flag, to draw attention to issues of people of color within the LGBTQ community.<ref>{{cite web |title=More Color More Pride |url=https://hellotierney.com/work/more-color-more-pride-2/ |website=Tierney |access-date=June 1, 2020 |archive-date=September 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909210025/http://hellotierney.com/work/more-color-more-pride-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.phillymag.com/g-philly/2017/06/08/philly-pride-flag-black-brown/|title=Philly's Pride Flag to Get Two New Stripes: Black and Brown|last=Owens|first=Ernest|website=Philadelphia|date=June 8, 2017|publisher=Metro Corp.|access-date=June 10, 2017|archive-date=June 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608145045/http://www.phillymag.com/g-philly/2017/06/08/philly-pride-flag-black-brown/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/controversy-flies-over-philadelphia-s-new-pride-flag-n772821|title=Controversy Flies Over Philadelphia's New Pride Flag|date=June 15, 2017|access-date=June 18, 2017|publisher=NBC News|archive-date=June 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617230206/http://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/controversy-flies-over-philadelphia-s-new-pride-flag-n772821|url-status=live}}</ref>
On February 12, 2018, during the street carnival of São Paulo, thousands of people attended a parade called Love Fest,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://g1.globo.com/sp/sao-paulo/carnaval/2018/noticia/love-fest-inunda-o-centro-de-musica-baiana-e-amor-a-populacao-lgbt.ghtml|title=Love Fest inunda o Centro de música baiana e amor à população LGBT|website=G1|date=February 12, 2018|language=pt|access-date=February 23, 2018|archive-date=February 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224053124/https://g1.globo.com/sp/sao-paulo/carnaval/2018/noticia/love-fest-inunda-o-centro-de-musica-baiana-e-amor-a-populacao-lgbt.ghtml|url-status=live}}</ref> which celebrated human diversity, sexual and gender equality. A version of the flag, created by Estêvão Romane, co-founder of the festival, was unveiled which presented the original eight stripe flag with a white stripe in the middle, representing all colors (human diversity in terms of religion, gender, sex preferences, ethnicities), and peace and union among all.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://veja.abril.com.br/entretenimento/love-fest-promove-luta-contra-homofobia-no-carnaval-de-sp/|title=Love Fest promove luta contra homofobia no Carnaval de SP|website=VEJA.com|language=pt|access-date=February 23, 2018|archive-date=February 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224053233/https://veja.abril.com.br/entretenimento/love-fest-promove-luta-contra-homofobia-no-carnaval-de-sp/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Progress Pride Flag<span class="anchor" id="Progress Pride Flag"></span>=== {{main page|Progress flag}} In June 2018, designer Daniel Quasar released a redesign incorporating elements from both the Philadelphia flag and trans pride flag to bring focus on inclusion and progress within the community.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Beyond The Rainbow |url=https://www.uclansu.co.uk/news/article/6013/Beyond-The-Rainbow/ |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=www.uclansu.co.uk |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127115105/https://www.uclansu.co.uk/news/article/6013/Beyond-The-Rainbow/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The flag design spread quickly as the ''Progress Pride Flag'' on social media, prompting worldwide coverage in news outlets.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newnownext.com/trans-qpoc-inclusive-pride-flag-campaign-going-viral/06/2018/|title=Trans, QPOC Inclusive Pride Flag Campaign Going Viral|website=www.newnownext.com|language=en|access-date=November 11, 2018|archive-date=November 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111173614/http://www.newnownext.com/trans-qpoc-inclusive-pride-flag-campaign-going-viral/06/2018/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/06/12/designer-gives-pride-flag-an-inclusive-makeover/|title=This graphic designer has revamped the Pride flag to make it more inclusive|work=PinkNews|access-date=November 11, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=November 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111135401/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/06/12/designer-gives-pride-flag-an-inclusive-makeover/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.advocate.com/pride/2018/6/08/will-everyone-feel-included-artists-new-pride-flag|title=Will Everyone Feel Included with Artist's New Pride Flag?|date=June 8, 2018|work=Advocate|access-date=November 11, 2018|language=en|archive-date=November 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111133959/https://www.advocate.com/pride/2018/6/08/will-everyone-feel-included-artists-new-pride-flag|url-status=live}}</ref> While retaining the common six-stripe rainbow design as a base, the "Progress" variation adds a chevron along the hoist that features black, brown, light blue, pink, and white stripes to bring those communities (marginalized people of color, trans people, and those living with HIV/AIDS and those who have been lost) to the forefront; "the arrow points to the right to show forward movement, while being along the left edge shows that progress still needs to be made".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://humanrights.ca/story/symbol-pride|title= The symbol of Pride: Gilbert Baker's legacy, the rainbow flag |first=Karine |last=Duhamel |orig-date=May 10, 2019 |date=June 6, 2023 |version=Updated |publisher=Canadian Museum for Human Rights |access-date=June 26, 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250430031955/https://humanrights.ca/story/symbol-pride |archive-date=2025-04-30 }}</ref>
===Intersex Inclusive Progress Pride Flag <span class="anchor" id="Progress Pride Flag intersex inclusive"></span> === [[File:Glide Memorial Church 20251206-6285 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Intersex Inclusive Progress Pride flag at Glide Memorial Church, San Francisco]] In 2021, Valentino Vecchietti of Intersex Equality Rights UK redesigned the ''Progress Pride Flag'' to incorporate the intersex flag.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Parsons|first1=Vic|date=June 7, 2021|title=Progress Pride flag gets 2021 redesign to better represent intersex people|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/06/07/progress-pride-flag-intersex-flag/|access-date=June 10, 2021|website=PinkNews|archive-date=June 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610143206/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/06/07/progress-pride-flag-intersex-flag/|url-status=live}}</ref> This design added a yellow triangle with a purple circle in it to the chevron of the Progress Pride flag. It also changed the color of green to a lighter shade without adding new symbolism. Intersex Equality Rights UK posted the new flag on Instagram and Twitter.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 8, 2021|title=The Progress Pride Flag Is Getting an Intersex-Inclusive Makeover|url=https://www.them.us/story/progress-pride-flag-intersex-inclusive-makeover|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710210201/https://www.them.us/story/progress-pride-flag-intersex-inclusive-makeover|archive-date=July 10, 2021|access-date=August 3, 2021|website=them.us|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite instagram|user=intersex_equality_rights_uk|postid=CPwvT3glwtw|title=Slide 1. Happy Pride 2021! For our Intersex Inclusion Campaign we'd like to share with you our new intersex inclusive Pride Progress…|date=June 5, 2021|author=Intersex Equality Rights UK}}</ref>
===Rainbow Gadsden flag=== Some libertarians use a version of the Gadsden flag with its snake and motto placed over a rainbow flag.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gadsden Flag (U.S.) |url=https://www.fotw.info/flags/us_gad.html |website=Flags of the World |access-date=10 February 2021 |archive-date=March 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319162034/https://www.fotw.info/flags/us_gad.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, posters containing a rainbow Gadsden flag inscribed with "#ShootBack" were placed around West Hollywood.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Branson-Potts |first1=Hailey |title=West Hollywood plastered with rainbow #ShootBack signs |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-weho-shootback-rainbow-20160616-snap-story.html |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=16 June 2016 |archive-date=March 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319162352/https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-weho-shootback-rainbow-20160616-snap-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Social Justice Pride Flag=== In July 2018 the Social Justice Pride Flag was released in Chennai, India at the Chennai Queer LitFest, inspired by the other variations of the Pride flag around the world.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/lgbtq-meets-caste-religion-politics-social-justice-pride-flag-chennai-queer-litfest-84364|title=LGBTQ meets caste, politics: Social justice pride flag at Chennai Queer LitFest|publisher=The News Minute|archive-date=December 28, 2019|access-date=December 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228163343/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/lgbtq-meets-caste-religion-politics-social-justice-pride-flag-chennai-queer-litfest-84364|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/social-justice-pride-flag-at-chennai-queer-lit-fest|title=#GoodNews: Where LGBTQ Meets Caste – A Pride Flag Inclusive of All|publisher=The Quint|archive-date=December 28, 2019|access-date=December 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228163340/https://www.thequint.com/news/india/social-justice-pride-flag-at-chennai-queer-lit-fest|url-status=live}}</ref> The flag was designed by Chennai-based gay activist Moulee.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 8, 2020 |title=How Queer Artists Around the World Are Redefining Colour in Visual Culture |url=https://elephant.art/unpicking-the-politics-of-the-pride-flag-08072020/ |access-date=February 1, 2023 |website=ELEPHANT |language=en-US |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201101223/https://elephant.art/unpicking-the-politics-of-the-pride-flag-08072020/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The design incorporated elements representing Self-Respect Movement, anti-caste movement and leftist ideology in its design. While retaining the original six stripes of the rainbow flag, the Social Justice Pride Flag incorporates black representing the Self-Respect Movement, blue representing Ambedkarite movement and red representing left values.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://medium.com/qcc-blog/the-social-justice-pride-flag-635e51b80494|title=The Social Justice Pride Flag|publisher=QCC Press Statement|archive-date=December 28, 2019|access-date=December 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228163342/https://medium.com/qcc-blog/the-social-justice-pride-flag-635e51b80494|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Reception=== The reception to new variations and iterations of the Pride Flag have been mixed.<ref name="atlantic">{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Alex V. |title=The Pride Flag Has a Representation Problem |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/06/pride-flag-has-representation-problem/619273/ |access-date=July 18, 2022 |publisher=The Atlantic |date=June 23, 2021 |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629185303/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/06/pride-flag-has-representation-problem/619273/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="nbc1">{{cite news |last1=Compton |first1=Julie |title=Controversy Flies Over Philadelphia's New Pride Flag |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/controversy-flies-over-philadelphia-s-new-pride-flag-n772821 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |date=June 15, 2017 |archive-date=June 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617230206/http://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/controversy-flies-over-philadelphia-s-new-pride-flag-n772821 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="vox">{{cite news |last1=Abad-Santos |first1=Alex |date=June 20, 2017 |title=Philadelphia's new, inclusive gay pride flag is making gay white men angry |publisher=Vox |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/6/20/15821858/gay-pride-flag-philadelphia-fight-explained |archive-date=December 31, 2022 |access-date=December 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231074351/https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/6/20/15821858/gay-pride-flag-philadelphia-fight-explained |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="bbc1">{{cite news |last1=Baggs |first1=Michael |title=Manchester Pride: Does the rainbow flag need black and brown stripes? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-46860693 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |publisher=BBC |date=January 14, 2019 |archive-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718192454/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-46860693 |url-status=live }}</ref> Supporters have praised the focus on inclusion, and the highlighting the role and discrimination of people of color in the LGBTQ community. At the same time, some have expressed concern that the changes only act as a "performance, creating the impression of inclusion without real commitment", or that they have been "for the sake of branding", while not reflecting any actual "material steps towards real equality".<ref name="atlantic"/> Others have remained critical, arguing that the original design already acts as a symbol of diversity,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=David |date=21 August 2022 |title=How trans ideology hijacked the gay-rights movement |url=https://www.spiked-online.com/2022/08/21/how-trans-ideology-hijacked-the-gay-rights-movement/ |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=Spiked |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="nbc1" /> and emphasized that the original flag was designed without any racial dimension in mind.<ref name="nbc1"/> Other critics have called the variations "patronizing" and that they have taken away some "universality".<ref name="bbc1"/> Both the Philadelphia Pride Flag and the Progress Pride Flag were met with some controversy and backlash for these reasons, but also praise and widespread adoption.<ref name="nbc1"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wareham |first1=Jamie |title=Why Many LGBT People Have Started Using A New Pride Flag |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiewareham/2020/07/12/why-lgbt-people-have-started-using-a-new-pride-flag-nhs-black-lives-matters/ |access-date=July 18, 2022 |work=Forbes |date=July 12, 2020 |archive-date=August 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827192443/https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiewareham/2020/07/12/why-lgbt-people-have-started-using-a-new-pride-flag-nhs-black-lives-matters/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Quasar's iteration of the progress pride flag is licensed under a Creative Commons license which excludes commercial use; this has been criticised as not being in keeping with Baker's original intent for the first iteration of the flag. Quasar has stated openly that small organisations can use the flag commercially and the license was chosen to put restrictions on large corporations.<ref name="Lang-2023">{{Cite web |last=Lang |first=Courtney |date=2023-06-13 |title=Copyright, Pride, and Progress: Navigating Ownership, Representation, and Cultural Rights |url=https://copyrightalliance.org/copyright-pride-progress/ |access-date=2023-06-17 |website=Copyright Alliance |language=en-US |archive-date=October 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005204442/https://copyrightalliance.org/copyright-pride-progress/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ABC7 San Francisco-2022">{{Cite web |date=2022-07-28 |title=Mysterious flyers asking to boycott Progress Pride Flag posted around SF's Castro District |url=https://abc7news.com/progress-pride-flag-flyers-sf-castro-district-rainbow-lgbtq/12077610/ |access-date=2023-06-17 |website=ABC7 San Francisco |language=en |archive-date=September 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230909110206/https://abc7news.com/progress-pride-flag-flyers-sf-castro-district-rainbow-lgbtq/12077610/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Quasar stated that: "A changing point for me was when I started to see it getting used in a way that I didn't personally agree with. Companies were snatching it up, making stuff out of it, and selling it without my attribution attached. It was purely rainbow capitalism based marketing… If you're going to make money off of something that I created within my community it's only fair that you give back not just to me as the artist, but the community itself, too."<ref name="Lang-2023" /> Criticism of the flag has also been made by LGBTQ people of color, who felt that the flag, despite its inclusive intent, was created without community consultation.<ref name="ABC7 San Francisco-2022" />
=== Other variations === Many variations of the rainbow flag have been used. Some of the more common ones include the Greek letter lambda (lower case) in white in the middle of the flag and a pink triangle or black triangle in the upper left corner. Other colors have been added, such as a black stripe symbolizing those community members lost to AIDS.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U of T raises Progress Pride flag to mark the beginning of Pride Month |url=https://www.utoronto.ca/news/u-t-raises-progress-pride-flag-mark-beginning-pride-month |access-date=February 1, 2023 |website=University of Toronto News |language=en |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201100204/https://www.utoronto.ca/news/u-t-raises-progress-pride-flag-mark-beginning-pride-month |url-status=live }}</ref> The rainbow colors have also often been used in gay alterations of national and regional flags, replacing for example the red and white stripes of the flag of the United States. In 2007, the Pride Family Flag was unveiled at the Houston, Texas pride parade.{{clarify|date=March 2024}}
In the early years of the AIDS pandemic, activists designed a "Victory over AIDS" flag consisting of the standard six-stripe rainbow flag with a black stripe across the bottom. Leonard Matlovich, himself dying of AIDS-related illness, suggested that upon a cure for AIDS being discovered, the black stripes be removed from the flags and burned.<ref name="witt" />
In 2002, another LGBTQ activist, Eddie Reynoso, recreated Gilbert Baker's original 1978 tie-dye flag,<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Liscia |first1=Valentina Di |date=June 14, 2021 |title=Revel in the First Pride Flag, Long-assumed Lost, in San Francisco |url=http://hyperallergic.com/653648/gilbert-baker-first-pride-flag-unveiled-at-glbt-historical-society-san-francisco/ |access-date=July 21, 2022 |website=Hyperallergic |language=en-US |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521212446/https://hyperallergic.com/653648/gilbert-baker-first-pride-flag-unveiled-at-glbt-historical-society-san-francisco/ |url-status=live }}</ref> incorporating a blue canton, with white stars that were painted to a pink color, as residents in states across the nation gained the right to same-gender marriage. The flag, named the Pride Constellation,<ref name="crwflags.com">{{Cite web |title=Marriage Equality Evolving Protest Flags (U.S.) |url=https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us_mev.html |access-date=July 21, 2022 |website=www.crwflags.com |archive-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721072540/https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us_mev.html |url-status=live }}</ref> was first painted on a canvas as a protest symbol during Nevada's constitutional amendment to define marriage as that between a man and a woman. In 2009, the flag was featured prominently on local and national news outlets as they reported on the California Supreme Court's ruling to uphold the state's marriage equality ban.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Egelko |first=Bob |date=May 27, 2009 |title=Prop. 8 stands; more ballot battles ahead |url=https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Prop-8-stands-more-ballot-battles-ahead-3297211.php |access-date=July 21, 2022 |website=SFGATE |language=en-US |archive-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721072539/https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Prop-8-stands-more-ballot-battles-ahead-3297211.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=California high court upholds same-sex marriage ban |url=https://www.cnn.com/2009/US/05/26/california.same.sex.marriage/index.html |access-date=July 21, 2022 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721072540/https://www.cnn.com/2009/US/05/26/california.same.sex.marriage/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2009 |title=California Supreme Court upholds same-sex marriage ban; lets stand existing gay unions |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2009/05/26/california-supreme-court-upholds-same-sex-marriage-ban-lets-stand-existing-gay-unions/ |access-date=July 21, 2022 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US |archive-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721072827/https://www.mercurynews.com/2009/05/26/california-supreme-court-upholds-same-sex-marriage-ban-lets-stand-existing-gay-unions/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Reynoso later rearranged the stars by order of admission into the Union,<ref name="crwflags.com" /> retaining part of Gilbert Baker's tie-dye flag and the Pride New Glory Flag.
In 2015, Reynoso's flag once again made national news after it was featured across various news outlets reporting on the ''Obergefell v. Hodges'' oral arguments at the Supreme Court.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 28, 2015 |title=The Most Telling Quotes From the Obergefell v. Hodges Oral Arguments |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-04-28/the-6-most-telling-quotes-from-the-first-half-of-obergfell-vs-hodges-oral-arguments |access-date=July 21, 2022 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en |archive-date=April 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419014541/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-04-28/the-6-most-telling-quotes-from-the-first-half-of-obergfell-vs-hodges-oral-arguments |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 27, 2015 |title=Marriage Equality Supporters Camp Out At Supreme Court Days Before Oral Arguments |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/marriage-equality-supreme-court_n_7152854 |access-date=July 21, 2022 |website=HuffPost |language=en |archive-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721072539/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/marriage-equality-supreme-court_n_7152854 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Government flags === While the rainbow flag has not been officially incorporated into the flags in any countries, some states and municipalities have flown the pride flag alongside the state flag to demonstrate inclusivity and support for LGBTQ communities.<ref name="Zorthian-2015">{{Cite magazine |last=Zorthian |first=Julia |date=2015-06-25 |title=How the Rainbow Flag Became an LGBT Icon |url=https://time.com/3932733/rainbow-flag-lgbt-pride-same-sex-marriage/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |magazine=TIME |language=en |archive-date=July 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715005005/https://time.com/3932733/rainbow-flag-lgbt-pride-same-sex-marriage/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Some countries, like Germany, allow the rainbow flag to be flown on government buildings on specific occasions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Germany: Federal Government Allows Flying of Pride Flags in Front of Federal Government Buildings |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2022-06-26/germany-federal-government-allows-flying-of-pride-flags-in-front-of-federal-government-buildings/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA |archive-date=July 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715005354/https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2022-06-26/germany-federal-government-allows-flying-of-pride-flags-in-front-of-federal-government-buildings/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Some states, provinces and municipalities allow the rainbow flag to be flown on government buildings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Emily |date=2021-06-26 |title=Pride version of San Antonio flag flies over City Hall for first time |url=https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/06/26/pride-version-of-san-antonio-flag-flies-over-city-hall-for-first-time/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=KSAT |language=en |archive-date=July 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715005006/https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/06/26/pride-version-of-san-antonio-flag-flies-over-city-hall-for-first-time/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Embassies and consulates of LGBTQ-friendly countries may fly the rainbow flag alongside their national flag to show solidarity with the LGBTQ community.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-20 |title=German Embassy Lectures Hungary as Homophobic Violence Ramps up at Home |url=https://hungarytoday.hu/german-embassy-lectures-hungary-as-homophobic-violence-ramps-up-at-home/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=Hungary Today |language=en |archive-date=July 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715005006/https://hungarytoday.hu/german-embassy-lectures-hungary-as-homophobic-violence-ramps-up-at-home/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
A spending bill passed in 2024 restricts flying any flag other than the US flag over US embassies. This means Pride flags cannot be flown on flagpoles at the top of embassies. However, this does not ban displaying Pride flags elsewhere on embassy grounds, like inside offices or on lower flagpoles.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wang |first=Amy B. |date=2024-03-25 |title=White House vows to repeal GOP-led ban on Pride flags over U.S. embassies |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/03/25/pride-flags-spending-bill/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326210035/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/03/25/pride-flags-spending-bill/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Gay Flag of South Africa.svg|thumb|Gay pride flag of South Africa]] A South African gay pride flag which is a hybrid of the rainbow flag and the national flag of South Africa was launched in Cape Town in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 16, 2012 |title=South Africa Gets Own Gay Flag |url=http://www.queerlife.co.za/test/news/jan2011/6038-south-africa-gets-own-gay-flag.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316234415/http://www.queerlife.co.za/test/news/jan2011/6038-south-africa-gets-own-gay-flag.html |archive-date=March 16, 2012 |access-date=December 7, 2022}}</ref> Flag designer Eugene Brockman said: "I truly believe we (the LGBT community) put the dazzle into our rainbow nation and this flag is a symbol of just that."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wareham |first=Jamie |title=Why Many LGBT People Have Started Using A New Pride Flag |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiewareham/2020/07/12/why-lgbt-people-have-started-using-a-new-pride-flag-nhs-black-lives-matters/ |access-date=February 1, 2023 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=August 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827192443/https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiewareham/2020/07/12/why-lgbt-people-have-started-using-a-new-pride-flag-nhs-black-lives-matters/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=December 22, 2010 |title=South African Flag Revealed at MCQP |url=http://capetownpride.org/news/news/59-south-african-gay-flag-revealed-at-mcqp/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809150001/http://capetownpride.org/news/news/59-south-african-gay-flag-revealed-at-mcqp/ |archive-date=August 9, 2011 |access-date=April 4, 2011 |publisher=Cape Town Pride}}</ref>
In 2018, marchers at the Equality March in Częstochowa carried a modified version of the flag of Poland in rainbow colors. They were reported to prosecutors for desecration of national symbols of Poland, but the prosecutors determined that no crime had been committed.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Hernacka-Janikowska |first1=Anna Maria |date=2020 |title=Znieważenie symboli i znaków państwowych – aspekty prawno-politologiczne |journal=Studia Prawnoustrojowe |issue=47 |doi=10.31648/sp.5270 |doi-access=free}}</ref>
In 2025, multiple U.S. cities adopted resolutions to name Pride flags as "official flags" of their municipalities, as loopholes around state laws banning their display by governmental buildings, including the cities of Missoula, Montana (which did not have an official city flag before them),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Howard|first=Phil|date=June 3, 2025|title=Missoula's pride flag adoption sparks disagreement among residents, officials|url=https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/missoulas-pride-flag-adoption-sparks-disagreement-among-residents-officials|access-date=June 5, 2025|website=KECI|language=en|archive-date=June 5, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250605144701/https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/missoulas-pride-flag-adoption-sparks-disagreement-among-residents-officials|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hansen|first=Jordan|date=June 3, 2025|title=Missoula adopts Pride flag as official city flag|url=https://dailymontanan.com/2025/06/03/missoula-adopts-pride-flag-as-official-city-flag/|access-date=June 5, 2025|website=Daily Montanan|language=en-US}}</ref> and Boise, Idaho.<ref name="McCullough-2025">{{Cite web |last=McCullough |first=Carson |date=2025-07-04 |title=In Boise, Idaho, a political game of capture the flag |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/in-boise-idaho-a-political-game-of-capture-the-flag |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=Courthouse News Service |language=en-us}}</ref> Salt Lake City similarly granted official flag status to customized versions of the Progress flag, transgender flag, and Juneteenth flag incorporating the Sego lily symbol from the city's main flag.<ref name="Salt Lake Tribune">{{Cite web |title=Salt Lake City may have found a way to avoid the state’s ban on pride flags |url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2025/05/06/salt-lake-wants-official-pride/ |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=The Salt Lake Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=KSL.com |date=2025-06-08 |title='This is about everybody': Love, support highlight annual Utah Pride Parade |url=https://ksltv.com/events_holidays/annual-utah-pride-parade/783665/ |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=KSLTV.com |language=en-us}}</ref>
Other unofficial proposals and designs incorporating the rainbow flag into state, province, and municipal flags exist but have not gained widespread adoption.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tribune |first=Louis Krauss Star |title=What's a design expert's verdict on Minnesota's new state flag? |url=https://www.startribune.com/whats-a-design-experts-verdict-on-minnesotas-new-state-flag/600329780/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=Star Tribune |date=December 21, 2023 |archive-date=July 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715005006/https://www.startribune.com/whats-a-design-experts-verdict-on-minnesotas-new-state-flag/600329780/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pride Flags |url=https://www.unco.edu/gender-sexuality-resource-center/resources/pride-flags.aspx |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center |language=en |archive-date=May 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528150200/https://www.unco.edu/gender-sexuality-resource-center/resources/pride-flags.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Zorthian-2015"/>
<gallery widths=200 heights=200> File:Minnesota State Flag with pride design.jpg|A Minnesota State Flag with a rainbow flag design on the field. File:02018 0308 CzęstochowaPride-Parade (cropped 1).jpg|Bartosz Staszewski (left) carries a rainbow version of the flag of Poland at the 2018 Equality March in Częstochowa. File:Flag of Salt Lake City - Belonging flag.svg|The Sego Belonging Flag, adopted in 2025 as an official flag of Salt Lake City, Utah; it is based on the Progress Pride flag. </gallery>
== Notable flag creations == ===Mile-long flags=== thumb|The mile-and-a-quarter-long flag ({{convert|1.25|mi|km|disp=output only|0}}) stretching across Key West in 2003
For the 25th anniversary of the June 1969 Stonewall riots in 1994, flag creator Baker, a.k.a. Sister Chanel 2001 of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, was commissioned to create the world's largest rainbow flag.<ref name="castro2">{{cite AV media|title=San Francisco Neighborhoods: The Castro|type=Documentary|publisher=KQED-TV}}</ref> The mile-long flag, dubbed "Raise the Rainbow",<ref name="Lenius-2019">{{Cite web|url=https://www.lavendermagazine.com/featured-home-page/leather-life-stonewall-25-memories/|title=Leather Life: Stonewall 25 Memories|last=Lenius|first=Steve|date=June 6, 2019|website=Lavender Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=July 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714040343/https://www.lavendermagazine.com/featured-home-page/leather-life-stonewall-25-memories/|url-status=dead}}</ref> took months of planning and teams of volunteers to coordinate every aspect.<ref name="Lenius-2019" /> The flag utilized the basic six colors and measured {{convert|30|ft|m}} wide. After the march, foot-wide ({{convert|1|ft|m|disp=out}}) sections of the flag were given to individual sponsors after the event had ended. Additional large sections of the flag were sent with activists and used in pride parades and LGBTQ marches worldwide.<ref name="castro2" /> One large section was later taken to Shanghai Pride in 2014 by a small contingent of San Francisco Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and documented in the film ''Stilettos for Shanghai''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hoodline.com/amp/2017/08/stilettos-for-shanghai-castro-screening-to-spotlight-anti-lgbtq-laws|title='Stilettos For Shanghai' Castro Screening To Spotlight Anti-LGBTQ Laws|date=August 4, 2017|website=Hoodline|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=July 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715071319/https://hoodline.com/amp/2017/08/stilettos-for-shanghai-castro-screening-to-spotlight-anti-lgbtq-laws|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''Guinness Book of World Records'' confirmed it as the world's largest flag.<ref name="Young19942">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CsNPAAAAYAAJ|title=The Guinness book of records|last=Young|first=Mark C.|date=October 1, 1994|publisher=Facts on File|isbn=9780816026463|pages=307–|access-date=November 19, 2012}}</ref>
In 2003, Baker was again commissioned to produce a giant flag marking the 25th anniversary of the flag itself.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About the Pride Flag |url=https://www.whywemarch.lgbt/about-the-pride-flag |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=Why We March |language=en |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127123545/https://www.whywemarch.lgbt/about-the-pride-flag |url-status=live }}</ref> Dubbed "25 Rainbow Sea to Sea", the project entailed Baker again working with teams of volunteers but this flag utilized the original eight colors and measured {{convert|1+1/4|mi|km|0|spell=in}} across Key West, Florida, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.<ref>{{Cite book|last=N.Y.)|first=Lesbian & Gay Community Services Center (New York|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t30YAAAAIAAJ&q=%2225rainbow+Sea+to+Sea%E2%80%9D|title=The Gay Almanac|date=1996|publisher=Berkley Books|isbn=978-0-425-15300-0|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CsNPAAAAYAAJ&q=%2225rainbow+Sea+to+Sea%E2%80%9D|title=The Guinness Book of Records 1995|date=1994|publisher=Facts on File|isbn=978-0-8160-2646-3|language=en}}</ref> The flag was again divided afterwards and sections were sent to over a hundred cities worldwide.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Witt|first1=Lynn|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZWVa4WlPFQUC&q=%2225rainbow+Sea+to+Sea%E2%80%9D+sections+were+sent+to+over+100+cities|title=Out in All Directions: A Treasury of Gay and Lesbian America|last2=Thomas|first2=Sherry|last3=Marcus|first3=Eric|date=September 26, 2009|publisher=Grand Central Publishing|isbn=978-0-446-56721-3|language=en}}</ref>
===Other large flags=== [[File:17ª Parada LGBT de SP.jpg|thumb|upright|Large rainbow flag being carried in the São Paulo LGBTQ Pride]]
The largest rainbow flag in the Southern Hemisphere is a six-stripe one first flown to mark the fourth Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) Pride in 2014,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldlive.co.za/gay-pride-spills-over-in-bay-streets/|title=Gay pride spills over in Bay streets|last1=Kimberley|first1=Kathryn|date=September 24, 2012|work=The Herald|access-date=July 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729074055/http://www.heraldlive.co.za/gay-pride-spills-over-in-bay-streets/|archive-date=July 29, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> held in the city of Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape province, South Africa.<ref name="McCormick-2014" /> It measures {{convert|12|by|8|m|ft|spell=in}}, and flies on the country's tallest flag pole, which is {{convert|60|m|ft|spell=in}} high,<ref name="McCormick-2014">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/12/04/photos-is-this-the-biggest-pride-flag-ever-flown/|title=PHOTOS: Is this the biggest pride flag ever flown?|last=McCormick|first=Joseph|date=December 4, 2014|website=PinkNews|language=en-GB|access-date=July 8, 2019|archive-date=July 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708094654/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/12/04/photos-is-this-the-biggest-pride-flag-ever-flown/|url-status=live}}</ref> and is in Donkin Reserve, in Port Elizabeth's central business district.<ref name="Igual-2014">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mambaonline.com/2014/12/02/look-africas-biggest-gay-rainbow-flag-flies-pe/|title=Look! Africa's biggest gay rainbow flag flies in PE|last=Igual|first=Roberto|date=December 2, 2014|website=MambaOnline – Gay South Africa online|language=en-US|access-date=July 8, 2019|archive-date=July 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708104645/https://www.mambaonline.com/2014/12/02/look-africas-biggest-gay-rainbow-flag-flies-pe/|url-status=live}}</ref> NMB Pride had the flag manufactured, in part, as a symbol for LGBTQ youth to feel empowered even if they were not able to come out.<ref name="Igual-2014" /> On the decision to fly the flag, a spokesperson for the municipality said, NMB "officially adds its voice to governments committing, firstly, to recognizing the LGBT community, and most importantly, to uphold the rights of the LGBT community".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.algoafm.co.za/article/local/94907/nmb-flies-pride-flag-at-donkin-reserve|title=NMB flies Pride flag at Donkin Reserve|date=June 27, 2018|website=Algoa FM|access-date=July 8, 2019|archive-date=July 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708103137/https://www.algoafm.co.za/article/local/94907/nmb-flies-pride-flag-at-donkin-reserve|url-status=live}}</ref> It is regularly flown for NMB Pride as well as March 21 which is Human Rights Day in South Africa, and International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, both commemorating the 1960 Sharpeville massacre.
On June 1, 2018, Venice Pride in California flew the world's largest free-flying flag to launch ''United We Pride''.<ref name="Giardina-2018">{{Cite web|url=https://thepridela.com/2018/04/venice-fly-worlds-largest-rainbow-flag/|title=Venice to Fly World's Largest Rainbow Flag|last=Giardina|first=Henry|date=April 8, 2018|website=The Pride LA|language=en-US|access-date=July 8, 2019|archive-date=July 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708114806/https://thepridela.com/2018/04/venice-fly-worlds-largest-rainbow-flag/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=World's Largest Free-Flying Pride Flag to Be Unveiled in Los Angeles For Venice Pride |url=https://venicepride.org/press-release/united-we-pride-worlds-largest-free-flying-pride-flag-to-be-unveiled-in-los-angeles-for-venice-pride/ |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=Venice Pride |language=en-US |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127131026/https://venicepride.org/press-release/united-we-pride-worlds-largest-free-flying-pride-flag-to-be-unveiled-in-los-angeles-for-venice-pride/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After its debut for Venice Pride, the flag traveled to San Francisco at the end of the month for SF Pride and the fortieth anniversary of the rainbow flag's adoption.<ref name="Zonkel-2018">{{Cite web|last=Zonkel|first=Phillip|date=April 3, 2018|title=World's largest Gay Pride flag coming to Venice|url=https://qvoicenews.com/2018/04/03/worlds-largest-gay-pride-flag-coming-to-venice/|access-date=July 8, 2019|website=Q Voice News|language=en-US|archive-date=July 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708124918/https://qvoicenews.com/2018/04/03/worlds-largest-gay-pride-flag-coming-to-venice/|url-status=live}}</ref> United We Pride then had the flag sent to Paris, London, Berlin, Vancouver, Sydney, Miami, and Tokyo, ending in New York City for Stonewall 50 – WorldPride NYC 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://yovenice.com/2019/07/03/venice-pride-ends-pride-month-by-representing-the-la-in-ny-world-pride-march/|title=Venice Pride Ends Pride Month By Representing the LA in NY World Pride March|date=July 3, 2019|website=Yo! Venice!|language=en-US|access-date=July 8, 2019|archive-date=July 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708114805/https://yovenice.com/2019/07/03/venice-pride-ends-pride-month-by-representing-the-la-in-ny-world-pride-march/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Zonkel-2018" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://metrosource.com/worldprideguide/what-is-worldpride-the-planets-biggest-lgbt-event/|title=Everything You Need to Know about The Planet's Biggest LGBT Event|last=Girardeau|first=Merrill Lee|date=March 28, 2019|website=WorldPride 2019 Guide|language=en-US|access-date=July 8, 2019|archive-date=July 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708121941/https://metrosource.com/worldprideguide/what-is-worldpride-the-planets-biggest-lgbt-event/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The giant flag was produced by the flag originator Gilbert Baker, and measures {{Convert|131|sqm|sqft|abbr=}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://qvoicenews.com/2018/06/02/worlds-largest-gay-pride-flag-hoisted-in-venice/|title=World's largest Gay Pride flag hoisted in Venice|last=Zonkel|first=Phillip|date=June 3, 2018|website=Q Voice News|language=en-US|access-date=July 8, 2019|archive-date=July 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708151919/https://qvoicenews.com/2018/06/02/worlds-largest-gay-pride-flag-hoisted-in-venice/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-rainbow-flags-20180531-story.html|title=On the 40th anniversary of the LGBTQ pride symbol, artist wants her rainbow flag story told|last=Branson-Potts|first=Hailey|website=L.A. Times|date=June 8, 2018|access-date=July 8, 2019|archive-date=July 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708220921/https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-rainbow-flags-20180531-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In June 2019, to coincide with the fifty-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots,<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=50 Years After Stonewall, We're Still Disagreeing About What Happened There. That's Why the Archives Matter |url=https://time.com/5579971/christopher-st-stonewall-history/ |access-date=January 27, 2023 |magazine=Time |language=en |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127121036/https://time.com/5579971/christopher-st-stonewall-history/ |url-status=live }}</ref> steps at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park were turned into the largest LGBTQ pride flag.<ref name="AwP">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/new-york-city-s-largest-lgbtq-pride-flag-arrives-four-n1016601|title=New York City's 'largest LGBTQ pride flag' arrives at Four Freedoms Park|last=Aviles|first=Gwen|date=June 11, 2019|website=NBC News|language=en|access-date=July 8, 2019|archive-date=July 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708062312/https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/new-york-city-s-largest-lgbtq-pride-flag-arrives-four-n1016601|url-status=live}}</ref> The rainbow-decorated {{convert|12|x|100|ft|m|adj=on}} staircase ''Ascend With Pride'' was installed June 14–30.<ref name="AwP" />
==Influence== {{See also|LGBTQ symbols}}
===Additional pride flags=== {{Main|Pride flag}} The popularity of the rainbow flag has influenced the creation and adoption of a wide variety of multi-color multi-striped flags used to communicate specific identities within the LGBTQ community, including but not limited to the bisexual pride flag,<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2021 |title=What Exactly Is The Bisexual Pride Flag, And What Does It Mean? |url=https://queerintheworld.com/bisexual-pride-flag/ |access-date=December 7, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207131303/https://queerintheworld.com/bisexual-pride-flag/ |url-status=live }}</ref> pansexual pride flag,<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2021 |title=What Is The Pansexual Pride Flag, And What Does It Stand For? |url=https://queerintheworld.com/pansexual-pride-flag/ |access-date=December 7, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207131343/https://queerintheworld.com/pansexual-pride-flag/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and transgender pride flags.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2021 |title=What Is The Transgender Pride Flag, And What Does It Stand For? |url=https://queerintheworld.com/transgender-pride-flag/ |access-date=December 7, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207131531/https://queerintheworld.com/transgender-pride-flag/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Spirit Day=== Spirit Day, an annual LGBTQ awareness day since 2010, takes its name from the violet stripe representing "spirit" on the rainbow flag. Participants wear purple to show support for LGBTQ youth who are victims of bullying.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.glaad.org/2016/spiritday/about|title=About #SpiritDay|date=June 28, 2016|publisher=GLAAD|access-date=October 15, 2019|archive-date=May 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518103333/https://www.glaad.org/2016/spiritday/about|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.easternecho.com/index.php/m/article/2010/10/spirit_day_to_honor_recent_homosexual_suicide_victims |title = Spirit Day to honor recent homosexual suicide victims |last = Wackrow |first = Kyle |date = October 10, 2010 |publisher = The Eastern Echo |access-date = October 26, 2010 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101017021916/http://www.easternecho.com/index.php/m/article/2010/10/spirit_day_to_honor_recent_homosexual_suicide_victims |archive-date = October 17, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 21, 2021 |title=Spirit Day — October 21, 2021 |url=https://nationaltoday.com/spirit-day/ |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=National Today |language=en-US |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127122700/https://nationaltoday.com/spirit-day/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Notable incorporations of the rainbow flag === ==== Freedom Rings ==== thumb|Freedom Rings on a keychain
Freedom Rings, designed by David Spada in 1991, are six aluminum rings, each in one of the colors of the rainbow flag. These rings are worn by themselves or as part of necklaces, bracelets, and keychains.<ref name="nytimesrings">{{cite news|last=Van Gelder|first=Lindsy|date=1992-06-21|title=Thing; Freedom Rings|newspaper=New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/21/style/thing-freedom-rings.html|access-date=2010-07-21|archive-date=May 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512205532/http://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/21/style/thing-freedom-rings.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They are a symbol of gay pride, and were originally sold as a fundraiser for the 1991 San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade and quickly became a national trend. In June 1992, several of MTV's on-air hosts wore Freedom Rings in recognition of Pride Month, elevating their visibility.<ref name="Freedomauto">{{cite news|title=Freedom Rings Make Fashion Statement|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1992/07/17/freedom-rings-make-fashion-statement/|access-date=10 December 2017|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=17 July 1992 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000941/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1992-07-17/lifestyle/9207160717_1_freedom-rings-15-rings-fashion-statement|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Rings Thing|journal=TV Guide|year=1992|volume=40|issue=4 July 1992|page=187|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6kjvAAAAMAAJ|accessdate=11 December 2017|issn=0039-8543}}</ref> They are sometimes referred to as "Fruit Loops".<ref name="Cassell's Dictionary of Slang">{{cite book|last=Green|first=Jonathon|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=my_ut0maeV4C&pg=PA549|title=Cassell's Dictionary of Slang|date=2006|publisher=Sterling Publishing Company, Inc.|isbn=0-304-36636-6|access-date=2007-11-15}}</ref>
==== Gaysper ==== Gaysper is an LGBTQ symbol based on the ghost emoji "👻" with a rainbow flag background. It gained popularity in Spain from April 2019 after a tweet from the official account of the far-right party Vox, after which a multitude of users belonging to the LGBTQ movement began to use it as a symbol. The icon has established itself as an example of the phenomenon of reappropriation of elements of the anti-LGBTQ discourse in contemporary society through social networks.<ref name="verne">{{Cite news |last=Cantó |first=Pablo |date=2019-04-29 |title=Cómo el 'fantasma LGTB' que asusta a Vox se ha convertido en un icono gay |language=es |agency=El País (Verne) |url=https://verne.elpais.com/verne/2019/04/29/articulo/1556525545_044567.html |access-date=2021-05-24 |archive-date=May 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524195009/https://verne.elpais.com/verne/2019/04/29/articulo/1556525545_044567.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="artículo">{{Cite journal |last1=Bonfill |first1=Anna Zaera |last2=Giménez |first2=Yolanda Tortajada |last3=Gálvez |first3=Antonio Caballero |date=2021-02-03 |title=La reapropiación del insulto como resistencia queer en el universo digital: el caso Gaysper |url=https://revistas.ucm.es/index.php/INFE/article/view/69684 |journal=Investigaciones Feministas |language=es |volume=12 |issue=1 |pages=103–113 |doi=10.5209/infe.69684 |s2cid=234065914 |issn=2171-6080 |access-date=2021-06-08 |doi-access=free |hdl=10115/34401 |hdl-access=free |archive-date=September 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907193503/https://revistas.ucm.es/index.php/INFE/article/view/69684 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==== Rainbow crossings ==== {{main|Rainbow crossing}}
thumb|right|People on a rainbow pedestrian crossing in Taipei Rainbow crosswalks began in 2008 in Taipei and became permanent in West Hollywood in 2012 during Gay Pride Month.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Glover |first=Tehsuan |date=2021-05-30 |title=Newark Pride Launches The Rainbow Square Project |url=https://thenewarktimes.com/newark-pride-launches-the-rainbow-square-project/ |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=The Newark Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=The Gayest Crosswalk Ever |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-08-22/the-gayest-crosswalk-ever |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605193752/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-08-22/the-gayest-crosswalk-ever |archive-date=2023-06-05 |access-date=2025-12-19 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> The idea spread quickly to other cities as symbols of support for the LGBTQ community. Early installations inspired movements such as Sydney’s DIY Rainbow campaign in 2013, where residents used chalk to recreate a removed rainbow crossing. This action grew through social media as people worldwide shared similar chalk designs to promote inclusion. Permanent crossings were later installed in Sydney and other cities, though they also faced opposition and vandalism.<ref>{{cite web|last=Spillane|first=James|title=Social Media Lessons From the DIY Rainbow Movement|url=http://www.business2community.com/social-media/social-media-lessons-from-the-diy-rainbow-movement-0470135|website=Business 2 Community|access-date=18 April 2013|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000703/http://www.business2community.com/social-media/social-media-lessons-from-the-diy-rainbow-movement-0470135|url-status=live}}</ref>
Governments and organizations have debated rainbow crosswalk safety and accessibility. The U.S. Federal Highway Administration discouraged nonstandard markings, while later studies suggested crossings with color art reduced traffic accidents.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taketa |first=Kristen |date=2016-02-06 |title=St. Louis will let crosswalk art that violates federal rules fade away |url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/article_f878de6d-0c3c-5320-afd6-26d8099f6933.html |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=STLtoday.com |language=en}}</ref> Disability advocates raised safety concerns for people with visual or cognitive impairments.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blind charity and disability expert criticise colourful crossings launched by Sadiq Khan |url=https://www.camdennewjournal.co.uk/article/blind-charity-and-disability-expert-criticise-colourful-crossings-launched-by-sadiq-khan |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=Camden New Journal |language=en-gb}}</ref> Some regions, including parts of Canada and Florida, have banned them, claiming neutrality, which critics say limits community expression.<ref name="Orlando Sentinel-2025">{{Cite web |date=2025-08-21 |title=Rainbow crosswalk outside Pulse nightclub removed overnight |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/08/21/rainbow-crosswalk-outside-pulse-nightclub-removed-overnight/ |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=Orlando Sentinel |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Backlash== Companies have often used the rainbow flag and similar imagery as part of efforts to promote solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community (including the use of rainbows on social media profile pictures during Pride observances, and the sale of rainbow-themed products). Some companies have faced criticism for doing so as performative, short-term cause marketing to capitalize and profit from the LGBTQ+ community without making sustained efforts to engage and support it, often while simultaneously engaging in business practices considered harmful to the LGBTQ+ community. This practice is often referred to as "pinkwashing" or "rainbow-washing", in reference to similar practices of cause marketing surrounding breast cancer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/pink-washing-marketing-stunt-or-corporate-revolution-20150605-ghhthh.html|title="Pink washing": marketing stunt or corporate revolution?|last=Stark|first=Jill|date=June 7, 2015|accessdate=2016-09-04|archive-date=October 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028221446/http://www.smh.com.au/national/pink-washing-marketing-stunt-or-corporate-revolution-20150605-ghhthh.html|url-status=live|website=Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref><ref name="Dahl">{{cite news |last=Dahl|first=Stephan|title=The rise of pride marketing and the curse of 'pink washing'|url=http://theconversation.com/the-rise-of-pride-marketing-and-the-curse-of-pink-washing-30925|access-date=November 12, 2020|website=The Conversation|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111235636/https://theconversation.com/the-rise-of-pride-marketing-and-the-curse-of-pink-washing-30925|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=What is pinkwashing?|url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2022/07/what-is-pinkwashing/|work=LGBTQ Nation|access-date=June 26, 2023|archive-date=June 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626042547/https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2022/07/what-is-pinkwashing/|url-status=live}}</ref> Multinational corporations have usually avoided utilizing Pride-themed marketing campaigns in regions where LGBTQ+ rights are restricted (such as the Middle East)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sabes |first=Adam |date=2023-06-03 |title=Conservatives call out multinational corporations for supporting pride month in America, but not Middle East |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/conservatives-call-multinational-corporations-supporting-pride-month-america-not-middle-east |access-date=2026-04-17 |website=FOXBusiness |language=en-US}}</ref> or are considered controversial (such as the United States, where many companies downplayed Pride promotions in 2025 due to the second Trump administration and its scrutiny of diversity, equity, and inclusion [DEI] initiatives).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Teeman |first=Tim |date=2025-05-29 |title=Scared advertisers, flag bans and Trump: the US is in for a troubled Pride 2025 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/29/pride-month-trump |access-date=2026-04-10 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=D'INNOCENZIO |first=ANNE |title=Stores are more subdued in observing Pride Month. Some LGBTQ+ people see a silver lining in that |url=https://www.startribune.com/stores-are-more-subdued-in-observing-pride-month-some-lgbtq-people-see-a-silver-lining-in-that/600373889 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001193334/https://www.startribune.com/stores-are-more-subdued-in-observing-pride-month-some-lgbtq-people-see-a-silver-lining-in-that/600373889 |archive-date=October 1, 2025 |access-date=2026-04-10 |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fisher |first=Anthony L. |date=2025-06-27 |title=Corporations have turned their backs on Pride. It reminds us why we march. |url=https://www.ms.now/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trumps-anti-dei-crusade-corporations-abandoned-pride-year-rcna214762 |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=MS NOW |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Osuh |first=Chris |last2=Boyd |first2=Raphael |last3=Abdul |first3=Geneva |date=2025-12-22 |title=Revealed: how big businesses are rolling back public support for Pride |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/22/revealed-how-big-businesses-are-rolling-back-public-support-for-pride |access-date=2026-04-10 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
Some jurisdictions have banned the display of Pride flags and related products as part of anti-LGBTQ sentiment.<ref name="Washington Post-2025">{{Cite news |date=2025-04-02 |title=Over a dozen states weigh laws that ban Pride flags in government buildings |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/04/02/pride-flag-bans-state-government-buildings/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404074443/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/04/02/pride-flag-bans-state-government-buildings/ |archive-date=2025-04-04 |access-date=2025-08-16 |work=The Washington Post |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NBC News-2024">{{Cite web |date=2024-02-06 |title=First Russians are fined or jailed over rainbow-colored items after LGBTQ ‘movement’ is outlawed |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/first-russians-are-fined-jailed-rainbow-colored-items-lgbtq-movement-o-rcna137465 |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> Russia prohibits the distribution of "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships", and designated the "international LGBT movement" as an "extremist" group in 2023—criminalizing any expression of support of the LGBTQ movement; the ruling classified the rainbow flag as a symbol of the "international LGBT movement".<ref name="NBC News-2024" /><ref name="Katsuba-2025">{{Cite journal |last=Katsuba|first=Sergey|title=Russian "Gay Propaganda Law": A Comprehensive Qualitative Analysis of the Legislation and Case Law|url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10758216.2025.2487577#d1e534|journal=Problems of Post-Communism|date=2025|volume=0|pages=1–14|doi=10.1080/10758216.2025.2487577|issn=1075-8216|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name="skynews">{{Cite news |title=Russian Supreme Court bans the whole LGBTQ movement and brands activists 'extremists'|url=https://news.sky.com/story/russian-supreme-court-bans-the-whole-lgbtq-movement-and-brands-activists-extremists-13019582|date=2023-11-30|access-date=2023-12-01|work=Sky News|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130214612/https://news.sky.com/story/russian-supreme-court-bans-the-whole-lgbtq-movement-and-brands-activists-extremists-13019582|archive-date=2023-11-30|url-status=live}}</ref> Multiple jurisdictions in Canada (particularly in the province of Alberta) and the United States have banned the display of non-governmental flags and symbols on public property to promote political "neutrality"; these bans are usually intended to prohibit the official display of Pride flags.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 February 2024|title=Westlock, Alta., to get rid of rainbow crosswalk after town votes on neutrality bylaw|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/westlock-alta-to-get-rid-of-rainbow-crosswalk-after-town-votes-on-neutrality-bylaw-1.7120498|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428070949/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/westlock-alta-to-get-rid-of-rainbow-crosswalk-after-town-votes-on-neutrality-bylaw-1.7120498|archive-date=28 April 2024|access-date=22 May 2024|website=CBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 January 2025|title=Why some Canadian towns are seeing pushes to keep crosswalks white, let certain flags fly|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/canada-neutrality-crosswalks-flags-westlock-barrhead-alberta-1.7439687|access-date=11 May 2025|website=CBC News|archive-date=12 May 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250512004021/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/canada-neutrality-crosswalks-flags-westlock-barrhead-alberta-1.7439687|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Teotonio |first=Isabel |date=2025-01-30 |title=This GTA board just voted to restrict the Pride flag inside schools. It’s stoking intense division |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/this-gta-board-just-voted-to-restrict-the-pride-flag-inside-schools-its-stoking-intense/article_55962ed4-dcbb-11ef-9644-cbb3bb19bfd1.html |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=Toronto Star |language=en}}</ref> Efforts to similarly ban the display of Pride flags and symbols at schools have focused on allegations that these displays "indoctrinate" children.<ref name="Duster-2024">{{Cite web |last=Duster |first=Chandelis |date=2024-03-06 |title=The movement to ban the LGBTQ Pride flag from schools in Tennessee and other state |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/06/us/tennessee-bill-pride-flag-ban-reaj |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mipro |first=Rachel |date=2023-03-07 |title=Kansas state representative calls rainbow drawings proof of indoctrination at Leavenworth school |url=https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/07/kansas-state-representative-calls-rainbow-drawings-proof-of-indoctrination-at-leavenworth-school/ |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=Kansas Reflector |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Orlando Sentinel-2025" />
As a loophole, the U.S. cities of Boise, Idaho, Missoula, Montana, and Salt Lake City, Utah all passed resolutions declaring the Pride flag or versions of it to be official municipal flags, theoretically allowing their display under these laws.<ref name="McCullough-2025" /><ref name="Salt Lake Tribune" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Howard|first=Phil|date=June 3, 2025|title=Missoula's pride flag adoption sparks disagreement among residents, officials|url=https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/missoulas-pride-flag-adoption-sparks-disagreement-among-residents-officials|access-date=June 5, 2025|website=KECI|language=en|archive-date=June 5, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250605144701/https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/missoulas-pride-flag-adoption-sparks-disagreement-among-residents-officials|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2026, Boise was forced to remove its Pride flag display, after state law was amended to remove this loophole by prohibiting the display of municipal flags that were adopted before 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pfannenstiel |first=Kyle |date=2026-03-25 |title=Idaho Senate passes bill to fine the city of Boise for flying LGBTQ+ pride flag |url=https://idahocapitalsun.com/2026/03/24/idaho-senate-passes-bill-to-fine-the-city-of-boise-for-flying-lgbtq-pride-flag/ |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=Idaho Capital Sun |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pfannenstiel |first=Kyle |date=2026-03-31 |title=Boise removes LGBTQ+ pride flag as Idaho governor signs bill to fine city for its display |url=https://idahocapitalsun.com/2026/03/31/boise-removes-lgbtq-pride-flag-as-idaho-governor-signs-bill-to-fine-city-for-its-display/ |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=Idaho Capital Sun |language=en-US}}</ref> The city responded by instead placing a banner on its city hall with the stripes of the Progress flag and the slogan "Creating a city for everyone", and putting a design of the Progress flag on the flag poles themselves.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Luchetta |first=Julie |date=2026-04-08 |title=A week after removing its Pride flags, Boise displays LGBTQ colors at city hall |url=https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/news/2026-04-08/boise-pride-flag-hb561 |access-date=2026-04-25 |website=Boise State Public Radio |language=en}}</ref>
==See also== {{Portal|Heraldry and Vexillology|LGBTQ}} * GLBT Historical Society: archival collection includes the only known surviving remnant of the original 1978 rainbow flags, along with a sewing machine used in their creation * Rainbows in culture * Sexuality and gender identity-based cultures
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} * [https://www.glbthistory.org/rainbow-flag Original 1978 Rainbow Flag] at the GLBT Historical Society * {{cite web |url = http://ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/08/Apr/1801.htm |title = Unsung Heroes of the Gay World: Vexillographer Gilbert Baker |date = April 17, 2008 |website = UK Gay News |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160825035347/http://ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/08/Apr/1801.htm |archive-date = August 25, 2016 }} * {{MoMAobject|192373|Gilbert Baker, Rainbow Flag, 1978}} * ''[https://www.moma.org/audio/playlist/344/4563 Gilbert Baker. Rainbow Flag. 1978]'' (brief MoMA audio documentary)
{{LGBTQ |culture}}
Category:1978 in LGBTQ history Category:Flags introduced in 1978 Category:LGBTQ flags LGBTQ Category:Horizontally symmetrical flags Category:Collection of the Museum of Modern Art (New York City)