Gilbert Baker
Community icon
Gilbert Baker
Posture
Gilbert Baker did not simply want to create something beautiful through his work. For him, colours, fabrics and symbols could wield political power. The rainbow flag was intended to bring people together, make them visible and give them a shared symbol.
It was particularly important to him that this symbol could belong to everyone. Baker therefore chose not to register the rainbow flag design as a trademark. The flag was not intended to be an exclusive product, but rather a freely usable symbol for a community fighting for visibility, equality and social recognition.
Who was Gilbert Baker?
Gilbert Baker was an American artist, designer and activist. He was best known as the creator of the rainbow flag and as a leading figure in the queer community.
Effect
Create a symbol
The first rainbow flag was created in 1978. What began as a local political symbol went on to become a widely recognised symbol of queer visibility.
Design & produce
Baker worked for the Paramount Flag Company from 1979 onwards, designing flags and installations for political and social events.
Combining art and activism
His work combined design, craftsmanship and activism, and brought political messages to the fore across linguistic and national boundaries.
Moments
Key milestones in the life and work of Gilbert Baker.
The first rainbow flag
The first version of the rainbow flag is created in San Francisco. It goes on to become one of the most important visual symbols of queer visibility.
Flags for a major political event
Baker designs flags for the Democratic National Convention. His work therefore attracts significant public attention even outside of queer events.
A huge rainbow for Stonewall
To mark the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, Baker created a rainbow flag of a size that was a record-breaking feat at the time. In the same year, he moved to New York City.
A flag stretching for kilometres
In Key West, Baker breaks his own record: a rainbow flag some two kilometres long stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.
Community
The particular significance of Baker’s work also lies in the fact that the rainbow flag did not remain tied to a single organisation, campaign or person. It could be taken up by people, adapted, passed on and imbued with new meanings.
As a result, Baker’s design became a symbol of the community. At demonstrations, Pride events, on buildings, in bars, clubs and private homes, the flag became a visible symbol of queer life.
Baker himself straddled the worlds of art and community activism. At times, he also performed under the drag name „Busty Ross“ – a playful reference to Betsy Ross, who is traditionally credited with designing an early US flag.
Meaning
Gilbert Baker’s rainbow flag became much more than just a design element. It evolved into a symbol recognised worldwide.
International
A local landmark in San Francisco has become a world-famous symbol.
Visibility
The rainbow flag symbolises queer visibility, self-determination and diversity.
Community
It brings people together and has become a shared symbol of the community.
Legacy
Because Baker made the flag freely available, it was able to spread and evolve.
Easy language
Gilbert Baker was an artist from the USA. He was born in 1951.
Gilbert Baker was very good at sewing. In 1978, he helped to make the first rainbow flag.
The rainbow flag has become an important symbol for gay, lesbian and other queer people.
Gilbert Baker wanted people to be able to be visible and to stand up for their rights.
Today, people all over the world recognise the rainbow flag. It is an important symbol for queer people.
Frequently asked questions about Gilbert Baker
Answers to frequently asked questions about Gilbert Baker and the history of the rainbow flag.
Who was Gilbert Baker?
Gilbert Baker was an American artist, designer and activist. He is best known as the creator of the rainbow flag.
When was the rainbow flag created?
The first rainbow flag was created in San Francisco in 1978.
Why did the rainbow flag become a symbol of the queer community?
The rainbow flag has become a widely recognised symbol of diversity, self-determination, community and queer visibility.
Why didn’t Gilbert Baker have the rainbow flag registered as a trademark?
Gilbert Baker wanted the rainbow flag to be freely used. It was not meant to be an exclusive product, but a shared symbol of the community.
How many colours did the original rainbow flag have?
The original rainbow flag from 1978 consisted of eight colours. Later, the six-colour version we know today became the standard.
When did Gilbert Baker die?
Gilbert Baker died on 31 March 2017 in New York City.
