He would have turned 72 today. A lot of you don't know his name, but you know one of his creations - the rainbow flag. His name was Gilbert Baker and although he is best known for that famous LGBTQ+ symbol, Gilbert did so much more.
After a stint in the Army, Gilbert worked on the first marijuana legalization initiative in California and learned to sew so he could create banners for protest marches. He was for a time a member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (which has been in the news a lot lately). He also served on the Board of Directors of San Francisco Pride where I had the great pleasure of working with him.
Baker first created the Rainbow Flag in 1978. In 1984, he also designed flags for the Democratic National Convention. Sometimes I'm bad with dates, but I remember when we marched to Castro and Market in San Francisco, and raised a giant rainbow flag on the newly installed flagpole. A rainbow flag has flown there ever since.
In 1994, Baker moved to New York City, and lived there for the rest of his life. In 2003, to commemorate the Rainbow Flag's 25th anniversary, Gilbert made a Rainbow Flag that stretched from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean in Key West.
As you look at all of the beautiful rainbow flags flying this month, or any time, take a moment and think of Gilbert Baker. I am so glad he came our way.
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