A Flag That Speaks Volumes

Rainbow flags have become synonymous with the 2SLGBTQ+ movement, rights, hope and pride. They are flown proudly throughout the month of June in celebration of the diversity of sexual orientation, human identity and gender expression. 

Have you ever wondered how the rainbow became such a powerful symbol? The history of the flag is as colourful as the bright stripes that comprise it. There have been variations over the years, with different colours and meanings being added/removed, and different patterns incorporated. At its core, the meaning has always been the same – a conceptualization of vivid colourful stripes, each symbolizing a different component of what it means to be human.  

The Origins of the Rainbow

The original flag was created in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, an artist and gay rights activist in San Francisco. The flag was commissioned by civil rights leader Harvey Milk, eventually resulting in a classic 6-striped design.  

• Red – Life
• Orange – Healing 
• Yellow – Sunlight 
• Green – Nature 
• Indigo – Harmony/Serenity 
• Violet – Spirit 

Designing for Visibility and Representation

Many people will be familiar with a modern variant of the rainbow flag, called the Progress Pride flag, which is becoming increasingly popular and brings intersectionality to the forefront. It was created in 2018 by Daniel Quasar, a non-binary artist and designer who lives in Portland. They added a chevron pattern of the white, pink, and light blue stripes of the transgender flag (created by Monica Helms in 1999), as well as black and brown stripes to represent Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. The black stripe also represents those living with HIV/AIDS and commemorates those who have been lost to the disease. The composition of this flag creates an arrow, nudging us forward and reminding us that there is more progress to be made.  

Finally, in 2021, Valentino Vecchietti combined Daniel Quasar's 2018 design with Morgan Carpenter's intersex Pride flag from 2013. The intersex pride flag's purple circle on a golden yellow background emphasizes wholeness, completeness, and intersex peoples' potentialities. The Intersex-Inclusive flag is the official pride flag for the federal government, and celebrates the diversity of 2SLGBTQ+ communities and experiences. 

More Than a Flag

No matter the version, the pride flag remains a vibrant symbol of hope. It reminds us that visibility and representation matter, and that love, in all its forms, deserves to shine.  EPL is committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging and acknowledges the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. Each year during Pride Month, we uplift and celebrate 2SLGBTQ+ voices to show our support for 2SLGBTQ+ communities. 

Happy Pride, Edmonton!