The first pride flag was designed in 1978 by Gilbert Baker. Each color on a pride flag is chosen carefully and holds a deep significance for members of the community it represents. For this reason, pride flags are flown worldwide. Unlike national representation, however, these flags serve the purpose of uniting communities based on their sexuality and gender - identities that transcend nationality. Pride flags, much like the flags of countries, are designed to represent communities. What does each flag represent, and how can you continue celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community after Pride has ended? What is a pride flag? In recent years, in addition to the classic ROYGBIV, more and more flags with different designs have begun to pop up.
This year's NYC Stonewall50 pride parade, just like every other pride parade and event, showcased rainbow flags, a recognizable symbol of the queer community. The festivities culminated in an enormous parade in the heart of New York City, where the famous riots against the homophobic police force first took place. This year, there were more celebrations than ever before people were embracing their identities from Guadalajara to Dallas and from Seattle to Thessaloniki. WorldPride, a celebration of all different genders, sexualities, and queer identities, takes place over the month of June. 2019's Pride month was special - it was the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots of 1969.
