Pride and Transgender Flags were Designed by Veterans

[Lori Dee]

Did you know that the original Pride Flag and the Transgender Pride Flag were both created by veterans?

The rainbow flag was designed in 1978 by Veteran Gilbert Baker (US Army 1970-1972) who created the flag in response to a local activist's call for the need for a community symbol. Baker designed a flag with eight stripes: pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet, representing respectively: sexuality, life, healing, sun, nature, art, harmony, and spirit. Baker dyed and sewed the material for the first flag himself. The six-stripe version has been used since 1979 and is recognized around the world.

The Transgender Pride Flag was designed in 1999 by Veteran Monica Helms (US Navy 1970-1978). The flag represents the transgender community and consists of five horizontal stripes: two light blue, and two pink, with a white stripe in the center.

LGBTQ+ Veterans can learn more about VA Health services and resources at:

LGBTQ+ VA Health Program website

LGBTQ+ Veteran Patient Education Materials

National VA LGBTQ+ Newsletter

[Robbyv213]

That's awesome. I did not know that. I still have much to learn about the history side of everything. I have spent most my time doing other research vs seeing where we all come from and those that came before us