There are plenty of variations of the flag, including versions with superimposed lambdas, pink triangles, or other symbols. The rainbow flag has inspired a wide variety of related symbols and accessories, such as freedom rings. The flag has six stripes, each color representing a component of the community: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sun, green for nature, royal blue for harmony, and violet for spirit. Borrowing symbolism from the hippie movement and black civil rights groups, San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker designed the rainbow flag in response to a need for a symbol that could be used year after year.
Use of the rainbow flag by the gay community began in 1978 when it first appeared in the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade. The rainbow plays a part in many myths and stories related to gender and sexuality issues in Greek, Aboriginal, African, and other cultures. The rainbow flag has become the easily-recognized colors of pride for the gay community. Symbols within the GSD Community Rainbow Flag
