Happy Birthday Gilbert Baker
An honorably discharged army veteran, he became an activist and vexillographer designing flags and banners for various causes around the world including anti-Vietnam protests. In honor of “Stonewall 25,” Baker created a 30’ wide mile long Pride Flag carried by more than 5000 people in front of the United Nations, setting the world record for largest flag in 1994. To commemorate the flag’s 25th anniversary, he broke his own record in Key West with a Rainbow Flag stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean in 2003; afterwards sections of it were sent to be flown over more than 100 cities around the world. Gilbert Baker’s gift to the LGBT Community remains in the public domain and was recently honored with inclusion into New York City’s MoMa collection.
“Flags are torn from the soul of the people.” — Gilbert Baker
Learn more about Gilbert Baker HERE
Gilbert Baker passed away unexpectedly on March 31, 2017. Bi-coastal tributes are planned this month on June 8th in San Francisco at 7pm at the Castro Theater.
The second celebration will take place on June 14th (Flag Day) at 6:00pm in front of Stonewall Inn with a rally and continue as a march to Hudson River Park.
Details for each celebration can be found HERE.
Today’s Google Doodle pays tribute to man who gave the global LGBT Community its symbol of Pride.
(photos courtesy of People Magazine)
