December 3, 2023 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: False Claims of Rainbow Flag Creator

Lynn Segerblom and her role in the creation of the Rainbow Flag. (In response to the Pride L.A.’s “Flagging Your Page in History”

Lynn Segerblom, also calling herself Faerie Argyle Rainbow, has recently positioned herself as the creator or co-creator of the Rainbow Flag, the global symbol of the LGBTQ community.

This is an erroneous statement that poses a disservice to the life and legacy of the true creator of the Rainbow Flag: Gilbert Baker.

In 1977, the legendary San Francisco politician Harvey Milk asked Gilbert Baker to create a new symbol for the LGBTQ community. Until then, the community used the pink triangle, used during the Holocaust as a symbol of Nazi oppression. Gilbert, inspired by the proliferation of American flags during the 1976 Bicentennial, decided the new symbol should take the form of a flag. While out dancing with his friend, Cleve Jones, Gilbert observed the diversity of his fellow dancers and conceived the idea of a flag that showcased the colors of the rainbow. Thus, the idea for the LGBTQ Rainbow Flag was formed.

Months later, Gilbert obtained $1,000 from the 1978 Gay Freedom Day Committee to make the first flags. He recruited two close friends for help: Lynn Segerblom, known then as “Faerie Argyle,” and James McNamara. Lynn coordinated the dyeing process for the fabrics, while James assisted in sewing the flags.

On June 25, 1978, the flags were raised for the first time at San Francisco United Nations Plaza. Gilbert spent the remaining 39 years of his life raising the Rainbow Flag all over the world, and watching it become a universal symbol of LGBTQ liberation. He was honored internationally for his creation. Gilbert Baker died in 2017.

One year after his death, Lynn Segerblom began a public campaign to rewrite history. In her statements to the media and public, she has identified herself as the sole creator of the Rainbow Flag, or sometimes as the co-creator. Her narrative continues to change. Lynn is now using her erroneous claims to solicit money for a documentary and a book.

Gilbert Baker always credited Lynn Segerblom as a cherished collaborator in the making of the flag. He fully honors her contribution in his memoir, Rainbow Warrior, to be published in June 2019. But we at the Gilbert Baker Estate object to her misleading statements. We have voluminous archival records from 1978 that refute her allegations.

Gilbert Baker’s legacy as an artist and activist is — and will always be — a gift given freely to people struggling for visibility and liberation. The Rainbow Flag he created is — and will always remain — a powerful symbol for LGBTQ people everywhere. The Gilbert Baker Estate remains committed to these principles.

Charley Beal

Manager of Creative Projects

The Gilbert Baker Estate

New York, NY

Related Posts

(Video) Culver City’s Annual Tree Lighting Sled-tacular

December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

Culver City’s Annual Tree Lighting Sled-tacular successfully brought the holiday spirit to the city’s residents. A large crowd happily sledded,...

Ladytron’s Surprise Gift: ‘All Over By Xmas’ Drops, Unveiling a Festive Classic Decades in the Making

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Liverpool’s Electronic Pioneers Deliver a “Majestic Glam Stomp” for the Holidays By Dolores Quintana At the stroke of midnight, Ladytron,...

Los Angeles County to Open CARE Court One Year Earlier Than Planned

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Program Seeks to Solve Mental Health Crisis Among the Unhoused By Dolores Quintana In a collaborative effort led by Los...

Alarming Surge in Hate Crimes: Los Angeles County’s Troubling Report Reveals Disturbing Statistics

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Report Reveals Alarming Trends and Urgent Need for Action By Dolores Quintana The Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations...

Sutton Stracke To Host The Abbey’s 14th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Commemorate World AIDS Day and Raise Funds To Help Those in Need By Dolores Quintana Decking the Halls with heartfelt...

(Video) Via Veneto, a classic Italian restaurant

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Via Veneto, a classic Italian restaurant with real ingredients and delicacies from Italy. You can tell that the restaurant is...

Esquire’s Culinary Picks: Unveiling the Best New Restaurants in Los Angeles for 2023

November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023

Esquire Magazine Spotlights Most Memorable New Eateries  Esquire Magazine has released its year-end lists of the best new restaurants in...

Westfield Century City Unveils Enchanting 25 Days of Christmas Festivities

November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023

A Winter Wonderland With Festive Delights at Westfield Century City By Dolores Quintana Even though it’s only the week after...

Silencing Classrooms: The Alarming Surge of Educational Gag Orders Across U.S. States

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

PEN America’s Report Unveils Disturbing Trends in 2023 Legislation By Dolores Quintana Mostly conservative lawmakers all over the United States...

Bloomsybox Challenges Christmas Movie Fans to Rate Hallmark Christmas Movies

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

Applicant Chosen Will Receive Prizes and Cash Worth $2,500  By Dolores Quintana A flower delivery company, Bloomsy Box, is challenging...

Attorney General Rob Bonta Advises Californians to Exercise Caution Giving Tuesday

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

Tips and Resources Ensure Safe Donations Amid Rising Threats By Dolores Quintana Attorney General Rob Bonta, in collaboration with the...

Bimbos Theatre Company and Student Committee for the Arts Host Drag Event

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

UCLA Charity Drag Showcase Unites Students for LGBTQ+ Advocacy By Dolores Quintana On November 28th at 7 pm, the UCLA...

Major Cantaloupe Recall Expands: Brands, Stores, and Products Affected

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

Cantaloupe Products Linked to Ongoing CDC Investigation in 28 States By Dolores Quintana In an expanded recall from the FDA...

USC Forecast Predicts Rising Rents and Commercial Real Estate Financing Struggles

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Report Sparks Concerns for Real Estate Development in Southern California By Dolores Quintana  The University of Southern California’s Lusk Center...

Historic Transition: The Abbey Food & Bar Changes Ownership in West Hollywood Landmark Deal

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Entrepreneur David Cooley Forges Agreement to Sell Iconic LGBTQ+ Venue By Dolores Quintana Entrepreneurs David Cooley and Tristan Schukraft have...