Gilbert Baker

Gilbert Baker (June 2, 1951 to March 31, 2017) was an American artist, designer, and gay rights activist best known for creating the rainbow pride flag. Stationed in San Francisco as an Army medic, he stayed after his discharge and became active in the gay liberation movement, teaching himself to sew. Encouraged by Harvey Milk and others to make a symbol for the movement, Baker and a group of volunteers created the first flag for the 1978 San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. His original design had eight hand-dyed stripes, each with its own meaning, and was later simplified to the six colors seen today. Baker, who called himself the "gay Betsy Ross," kept the design free for everyone to use.