How The Rainbow Flag Became The Symbol Of Pride

The rainbow pride flag wasn't always so ubiquitous. Its history starts in the 1970s with artist and activist Gilbert Baker.

You already know what this flag stands for. It's one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, on par with the American flag or the recycling symbol, and especially during Pride Month, it's everywhere. Charley Beal, president of the Gilbert Baker Foundation: "It is unsurpassed as a global icon in terms of something that stands for hope and diversity, as opposed to a product being sold or a country. It is a global symbol." But this flag wasn't always so ubiquitous, and its predecessors included a lavender rhinoceros, the Greek letter lambda and the pink triangle — all of which have their own separate meanings and histories, but weren't accepted by the LGBTQ community at large.