“I’m coming out, I want the world to know, got to let it show…”

…sang Diana Ross. Contrary to a humorous myth circulating social media, it wasn’t Diana, or Cher for that matter, that first designed the Pride flag. But that catchy chorus does capture the spirit perfectly.

Let’s take a look at the history of the Pride flag and why, today more than ever, it remains such a powerful symbol of unity, hope, and most of all… pride! 

The Pride flag

Commonly known as the rainbow flag, the Pride flag has a rich history with deep roots in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. And just like the community it represents, it’s continued to evolve.

“That’s what my heart yeans for now, love and pride…”

Origins of the Pride flag

The first flag was created in 1987 by Gilbert Baker, a gay artist and activist, at the request of Harvey Milk – the first openly gay elected official in the US.

The original design featured eight vibrant colours, each with its own meaning:

• Hot pink – Sex
• Red – Life
• Orange – Healing
• Yellow – Sunlight
• Green – Nature
• Turquoise – Magic/Art
• Indigo – Serenity
• Violet – Spirit

Due to fabric shortages and production issues, the flag was simplified in 1979 to the six-stripe version we see today: red, orange, yellow, green, blue (formerly indigo), and violet.

Evolving designs

In response to calls for greater inclusivity, several variations of the Pride flag have emerged:

Philadelphia Pride flag (2017)

Adds black and brown stripes to represent LGBTQ+ people of colour.

Progress Pride flag (by Daniel Quasar, 2018)

Includes a chevron with:

• Black & brown – People of colour
• Light blue, pink, white – Transgender and nonbinary communities

Intersex-inclusive progress flag (2021)

Includes a yellow triangle with a purple circle to represent intersex people.

Then and now

• Then: A symbol of hope and pride in the face of oppression.

• Now: A global emblem of diversity, solidarity, and ongoing activism for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality.

30 years of progress

The LGBTQI+ movement has undergone profound changes over the last 30 years, expanding in visibility, legal recognition, community support, and global reach. Here’s some of the biggest shifts:

1. Expanded identities & language

• 1990s: The acronym was typically ‘LGBT’, with limited mainstream recognition of identities beyond gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender.
• Today: The acronym has expanded to LGBTQI+ (and sometimes LGBTQIA2S+), embracing:
  • Q – Queer/questioning
  • I – Intersex
  • A – Asexual/aromantic/agender
  • 2S – Two-Spirit (a term used by some Indigenous North Americans)
  • + – Represents all other gender, romantic, and sexual minorities

This reflects a broader, more inclusive understanding that gender and sexuality are not binary, but fluid, personal, and ever evolving.

2. Legal and policy advancements

Over the last 30 years, many countries have implemented laws protecting LGBTQI+ rights, though progress is uneven globally.

• Marriage equality: Now legal in over 30 countries (e.g. the US in 2015, Taiwan in 2019).
• Anti-discrimination laws: In place in many western countries, protecting against discrimination in work, housing, and healthcare.
• Gender recognition laws: Increasing support for legal recognition of non-binary and transgender identities (e.g. third-gender passports).
• Decriminalisation of same-sex acts: Dozens of countries have repealed anti-gay laws, though over 60 countries still criminalise same-sex relationships.

3. Institutional support and visibility

• Corporate & government engagement: Pride campaigns, DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) programs, and LGBTQI+ employee networks are now common in many global companies.
• Media representation: Massive growth in LGBTQI+ characters, storylines, and creators (e.g. Pose, Heartstopper, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Sex Education).
• Social media: A powerful tool for community building, activism, education, and coming out, especially for youth in less supportive environments.

4. Global expansion of the network

• Stronger transnational advocacy: Groups like ILGA World, OutRight International, and regional networks in Asia, Africa, and Latin America have amplified voices worldwide.
• Local movements: More countries now have homegrown LGBTQI+ organisations, Pride events, and activists working within cultural contexts.
• Digital organising: Tech has enabled safe spaces for LGBTQI+ people even in regions with limited legal protection or societal acceptance.

5. The roadblocks that remain

Of course, progress hasn’t come without resistance.

• Anti-LGBT legislation: In places like Uganda, Russia, and some US states, laws have been passed or proposed to restrict LGBTQI+ rights.
• Trans rights under threat: Rising political attacks and misinformation, especially targeting trans youth.
• Ongoing violence: Both online and offline harassment, hate crimes, and the consequence of misinformation remains a grim reality for many around the world.

What can we do next?

It may seem that we have made substantial progress over the years. However, we know there is still a lot more that needs to be done before acceptance is achieved. 

The pride flag may be only one symbol that should be seen as a sign of hope and unity, but we know that it also divides some people’s views. Whatever your opinion, which everyone is entitled to, it looks the pride flag is here to stay and may it continue to do what it originally was created for – unity, togetherness and love!