SPOTLIGHT: The Gilbert Baker Foundation | Rainbow Flag

June is Pride month and we want to shine the Spotlight on some of our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors, their legacy and incredible impact. This week, we recognize the Gilbert Baker Foundation and a symbol that represents equity and inclusion, and celebrates what makes each of us unique. 

In 1976, artist-activist Gilbert Baker watched the US bicentennial celebrations and was inspired by the Stars and Stripes. Gilbert Baker’s first Rainbow Flag design was proudly displayed at the 1978 San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade two years later.

“Our job as gay people was to come out, to be visible, to live in the truth as I say, to get out of the lie,” said Baker. In the 44 years since it was created, the Rainbow Flag has inspired millions to break down closet doors and fight for full equality. As he said, “Flags are about proclaiming power.”

Today the Gilbert Baker Foundation works tirelessly to carry on this mission at home and abroad. Established in December 2019, the Foundation protects and extends the legacy of Gilbert Baker, the Rainbow Flag, and its impact on the world. In addition, the Foundation seeks to carry the message to future generations and the wider world beyond the LGBTQ+ community. In this effort, they collaborate with allies, including the LGBTQ+ community and artists, organizations, educational institutions, nonprofits, museums, archives, and the press.

The Rainbow Flag and its derivations can be seen almost everywhere in June. The Foundation has several corporate partners. ABSOLUT Vodka, Nike, Estee Lauder, and Etsy are just a few of these companies. The Foundation encourages these partners to donate to LGBTQ+ nonprofits that Gilbert passionately supported. Some of the organizations that have benefited are The GLBT Historical Society Museum & Archives, Hetrick-Martin Institute (where Gilbert taught art classes to homeless LGBTQ youth), The LGBT Community Center, and The Q Foundation.

But the Foundation and Gilbert Baker’s Estate are vigilant in safeguarding the integrity of Baker’s legacy. They vow to not to take funds from or work with any company or institution that “waves the rainbow flag with one hand and gives money to our detractors with the other.”

So, the Foundation with the NYU Stern Pride Corp created a vetting process that exceeds the commonly used Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index.

In addition, as a 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer organization, any funds received that exceed their annual budget are donated to Gilbert’s favored nonprofits. These funds have gone to help groups such as The Ali Forney Center for homeless LGBTQ youth, The Rainbow World Fund, Hetrick-Martin Institute, The GLBT Historical Society Museum & Archives, The LGBT Community Center, and The Generations Project. Of course, your donations are always welcome as well.

So, this month as you see the familiar Rainbow Flag design, remember Gilbert Baker’s words, “It is not just a logo.” The Rainbow Flag is a symbol for so much more — equity and inclusion of experiences, talents, and culture — distinguishing characteristics that make each of us wonderfully unique.

(Photo Credits: Gilbert Baker Foundation )