The two original eight-color rainbow flags designed by Gilbert Baker flying at United Nations Plaza during San Francisco Gay Freedom Day 1978. Photograph by Mark Rennie, courtesy the Gilbert Baker Foundation.
June 25, 1978: The rainbow flag is flown at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade on June 25th, 1978. Designed by political activist, designer and flag-maker Gilbert Baker at the suggestion of friends, colleagues, and San Francisco supervisor Harvey Milk. The flag becomes an emblem of gay pride.