The Colors of the Rainbow: What the Pride Flag Represents
A look at the Pride flag’s colors and meanings, and an invitation to create personal interpretations through art.
Seen at parades, in storefronts, across social media, And yes, even in paint palettes, the Pride flag is more than a colorful banner. It’s a symbol of inclusion, resilience, and the freedom to be exactly who you are.
At Pinot’s Palette, we believe in the power of color, creativity, and expression; So during Pride Month, we’re taking a closer look at the flag that started it all—and how you can bring your own version to life on canvas.
** A Brief History of the Pride Flag **
The original Pride flag was created in 1978 by artist and activist Gilbert Baker. Commissioned by Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., the flag was designed to represent the diverse beauty and strength of the LGBTQ+ community. Since then, the flag has evolved into multiple variations, each expanding the message of inclusion and representation.
But one thing remains the same: every stripe has meaning.
** What the Colors Represent **
The original rainbow flag had eight colors, each with a specific meaning:
(1) Hot Pink – Sex
(2) Red – Life
(3) Orange – Healing
(4) Yellow – Sunlight
(5) Green – Nature
(6) Turquoise – Magic/Art
(7) Indigo – Serenity
(8) Violet – Spirit
**Later versions simplified the flag to six stripes, with pink and turquoise removed and indigo changed to royal blue. The six-stripe version, still widely used today, carries these meanings:
-- Red: Life
-- Orange: Healing
-- Yellow: Sunlight
-- Green: Nature
-- Blue :Harmony
-- Purple: Spirit
*Modern adaptations, like the PROGRESS PRIDE FLAG, add colors to represent people of color, the trans community, and those lost to HIV/AIDS. Each new addition tells more of the story, and reflects the ongoing evolution of inclusivity and visibility.
* In 2018, non-binary designer Daniel Quasar combined the rainbow flag with the Philadelphia pride and transgender flags to celebrate the diversity of the modern-day LGBTQ+ community while calling for a more inclusive society.
--> The Progress Pride uses the same colors (and meanings) as the six-striped rainbow flag with the addition of black and brown stripes, which represent LGBTQ+ people of color; and pink, white and baby blue stripes which represent transgender individuals.
** Paint It Your Way **
At Pinot’s Palette, we’re all about creative freedom. This Pride Month, we invite you to honor the flag’s message by painting one of our many colorful pieces on the calendar, including some black light paintings!
The Pride flag reminds us that every person adds something beautiful to the whole. Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or a proud ally, painting the colors of the rainbow is a celebration of visibility, love, and unity.
So come paint with us. Make it personal. Make it powerful. Make it proud.
Happy Pride Month from all of us at Pinot’s Palette.