In case you didn’t know, the first LGBT flag was a 8-strip flag, designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978. He dyed and sewed the bands together himself. 

This flag had two colours, Pink and Violet, which were later dropped out in 1998 by Baker himself for the purpose of functionality. 

Later, the rainbow flag comprised of 6 vibrant colours-  red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. And, each of the colours represented something. 

Red (Life), Orange (Healing), Yellow (Sunlight), Green (Nature), Blue (Serenity), Violet (Spirit).

This is the most commonly recognised flag that has been around for almost 42 years. 

Though there are more versions of the flag that we’ve been introduced to and should know about. For example, in June 2017, two new colours were added to the 6-strip coloured flag- black and brown by Amber Hikes. This was created in response to growing issues around racism and intersectionality. 

In 2018, Daniel Quasar added the colors of the transgender cause into the flag- blue, white and pink. The pink represented femininity, blue represented masculinity and white represented non binary.

Even this year the Rainbow flag was updated yet again to ensure inclusivity. The new design incorporates intersex people into the movement. And, it was redesigned by Valentino Vecchietti.

FYI, intersexuality is when “a person is born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit the boxes of “female” or “male”. It is natural and not considered to require medical treatment.

The new flag also builds upon generations of development. The new addition to the flag is a yellow section completed with a purple circle. It was created by Morgan Carpenter, who works at Intersex Human Rights Australia.

However, there are different versions of the pride flag that represent different members of the LGBTQ+ community and if you want to learn more about it, go through this guide to pride flags. 

May the rainbow fly high!