Rainbow Flag (LGBT Movement)

The rainbow flag, commonly known as the equality flag, gay pride flag or LGBTQ pride flag, is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) pride and LGBTQ social movements. Other older uses of rainbow flags include a symbol of peace. The colors reflect the diversity of the LGBTQ community, as the flag is often used as a symbol of gay pride during LGBTQ rights marches. While this use of the rainbow flag originated in San Francisco, it is now used worldwide.

Regenbogenfahne (LGBT-Bewegung)

Rainbow Flag in Zandvoort, The Netherlands

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Originally devised by artist Gilbert Baker, the design has undergone several revisions since its debut in 1978, first to remove colors then restore them based on availability of fabrics. The traditional and still most common variant consists of six stripes: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. The flag is typically flown horizontally, with the red stripe on top, as it would be in a natural rainbow. Currently LGBTQ individuals and allies use rainbow flags and many rainbow-themed items and color schemes as an outward symbol of their identity or support. The rainbow flag is also commonly used as a general symbol of social equality and individuality.

Bandera LGBT

Радужный флаг (ЛГБТ)

علم قوس قزح (حراك المثليين)

Drapeau Arc-en-Ciel (Mouvement LGBT)

彩虹旗 (LGBT)

Bandeira Arco-Íris (Movimento LGBT)

Tęczowa Flaga (Ruch LGBT)

The rainbow flag has found wide application on all manner of products. The rainbow flag colors are routinely used as a show of LGBT identity and solidarity. The rainbow colors have become so widely recognized as a symbol of LGBT pride and identity that they have effectively replaced most other LGBT symbols, including the Greek letter lambda and the pink triangle. One common item of jewelry is the pride necklace or freedom rings, consisting of six rings, one of each color, on a chain. Other variants range from key chains to candles. In Montreal, the entrance to Beaudry metro station, which serves that city’s Gay Village, was rebuilt in 1999 with rainbow-colored elements integrated into its design.