The rainbow flag became a symbol for LGBTQ+ pride in 1978 after Harvey Milk urged artist Gilbert Baker to create an affirming symbol to represent the queer community. The original flag, hand sewn by volunteers, had seven colors while the globally recognizable form of the flag is often seen with five. When created, Baker attributed an aspect to each color – pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for magic and blue for spirit. Recently the flag has evolved to be even more inclusive, now with brown and black added to specifically include LGBTQ+ kin of color and blue, pink and white to be clear about our history and represent transgender folx.
Download the attached PDF and use watercolor paint, colorful pencils or even torn paper to collage a rainbow of ANY colors YOU like. Label the colors with life-giving words and phrases.
