In 1978, Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California, commissioned artist Gilbert Baker to create a flag that would celebrate gay life. Milk, a charismatic and courageous figure whose story was immortalized in the 2008 film starring Sean Penn, understood the power of visibility. As Baker himself stated, “Our job as gay people was to come out, to be visible, to live in the truth… A flag really fit that mission, because that’s a way of proclaiming your visibility or saying, ‘This is who I am!’”
The original rainbow flag debuted at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade on June 25, 1978. It featured six colors: hot pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony, and violet for spirit. While initially hand-crafted by Baker and volunteers, production challenges led to the removal of pink and turquoise stripes, and indigo was replaced with blue, resulting in the familiar six-striped flag we know today.
In 1994, Baker created a mile-long banner to mark the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall insurrection. Today, decades later, the rainbow flag is a ubiquitous symbol of Pride, adorning businesses, homes, and clothing. Sadly, some stores have succumbed to pressure and removed Pride displays, a stark reminder of the ongoing fight for equality.
This June, embrace the spirit of Pride with colorful jewelry inspired by the rainbow flag. Multi-colored gem spans have been cherished for centuries, but these baubles are not limited to June – they’ll add a touch of brilliance to any ensemble. However, one particular piece stands out this month: a pig adorned with gem-studded wings. This whimsical design serves as a poignant reminder of the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights. It evokes the disbelief once associated with the very notion of gay civil rights, gay marriage, and gay families, a reality as improbable as a flying pig.
As Prior Walter, a character in Tony Kushner’s Angels in America, states, “The world only spins forward. We will be citizens. The time has come.” The time is now! Celebrate Pride with rainbow jewelry, a visible testament to the journey traveled and the future we are building together.
Necklaces, rings, bracelets, charms, earrings – there’s a rainbow jewel to suit every taste and style. Let your style reflect the vibrant spirit of Pride.
