The LGBTQ flag was invented in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, a gay rights activist, army veteran, artist, and self-declared “gay Betsy Ross.”
He created the flag for the 1978 Gay Freedom Pride Parade in San Francisco, at the request of Harvey Milk, a gay local politician who was assassinated later that year.
The original flag had eight colors, each carrying a specific meaning. In 1979, the palette was condensed to six colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet). The rainbow is the perfect representation of celebrating diversity, community, acceptance, and tolerance.
Cincinnati Pride started in 1973 and formed out of a political protest in Fountain Square and celebrated its 45th year on Saturday at Sawyer Point. Over 90,000 people now partake in the day’s festivities including a parade and all-day festival.
