That’s when the rainbow flag was created with six different colors, each representing an aspect of life. “These were symbols that were used to organize and hurt and kill people like us.” “So, Gilbert went back, after being encouraged by Harvey Milk in San Francisco, that we needed a new flag beyond the pink triangle that we had before because we wanted to move away from sadness and oppression,” said Allen. Gilbert Baker talked with activist Harvey Milk about making the change. The LGBT community at the time was organizing around a pink triangle.
He’s been part of the LGBTQ+ scene in Grand Rapids since the 1980s, just a couple of years after the pride flag was born in San Francisco in 1978. “The history of the flag actually begins about nine years after Stonewall in 1969,” said Tommy Allen. The colors have been a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community since the late 1970s. “We’ve had staff members who’ve come out to us and that has been great-to say that someone trusts you enough to be that vulnerable, and the only way they trust you to be that vulnerable is if you show that love to them for a significant amount of time and build that relationship,” said Eddie. “Their racial makeup and identity as Black or Brown can say that their voices have been heard, who are part of the LBGTQ+ community that their voices have been heard and that they’re represented,” he said.Įddie and his wife display the flag to show LGBTQ+ guests and workers that they’re all welcomed and loved.
The progress pride flag not only includes the regular pride colors but also adds light blue, pink and white from the transgender flag.īlack and brown chevrons also represent the marginalized communities of color.
#Where was the gay pride flag born free
RELATED: Muskegon Pride will bring free resources to local LGBTQ+ community “And so we have family members, we have friends, we used to attend church with individuals-so it’s us just being who we say we are all the time.” “We don’t wanna just be an ally or an accomplice when it’s convenient or just on social media and not be that person every day,” said Eddie. That same colorful variety hangs near the register. The family’s juice bar is known for its fresh, vibrant drinks. “So, we were inspired by the documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead-Joe Cross and his juicing journey,” said Eddie. Named after his three sons, the company opened up in 2013. Jermale Eddie runs Malamiah Juice Bar in downtown Grand Rapids. “So, we would say in the community, ‘We’re planting seeds of love.’” The rainbow flag has been a symbol of gay pride for decades.ĭuring Pride Month we wanted to dig a little deeper into its history.