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What Is The Pride Flag? How A Rainbow Became A Global Symbol For The LGBT Community

"A true flag cannot be designed — it has to be torn from the soul of the people."
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The rainbow flag has long been a symbol of hope for the LGBT community. Those six colours representing life, healing, sun, nature, harmony and spirit are concepts celebrated at Pride celebrations around the world.

But what became a symbol of hope began with the meeting of two men: flag maker Gilbert Baker and U.S. politician Harvey Milk.

"A true flag cannot be designed — it has to be torn from the soul of the people," Baker once said.

Baker and Milk met in 1974 in San Francisco, where the first iteration of the rainbow flag came together with the help of volunteers.

But it wasn't until 1978, following the assassination of Milk, that the flag became what we know it as today. To learn more about its history, watch the video above.

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What You Should Know About Attending Pride
Know Your Basics(01 of10)
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The Toronto Pride Parade will take over parts of Yonge Street on Sunday, July 3, from Church and Bloor streets to Dundas Square. The parade starts at 2 p.m. and takes about three hours to run its course. (credit:Rick Madonik via Getty Images)
Know The Grand Marshals and Honoured Guests(02 of10)
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This year, trans activist Aydian Dowling, philanthropist Salah Bachir and singer-songwriter Vivek Shraya are the Grand Marshals of this year's Pride Parade. (Photo shows last year's Grand Marshals).The Parade will also feature honoured group Black Lives Matter and the international honoured guests The Prancing Elites and youth ambassador Jordyn Samuels. (credit:Rick Madonik via Getty Images)
Brush Up On Your Politics(03 of10)
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According to Victoria Schwarzl, of Pride Toronto, this is the first year where all three levels of Canadian government are marching in the Toronto Pride Parade."Keep your eyes out for Mayor John Tory, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, and even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau." she tells the Huffington Post Canada. (credit:Rick Madonik via Getty Images)
Watch A Smudging Ceremony(04 of10)
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Shirley Kendall, an elder with the Anishnawbe and Haudenosaunee nations, will perform a smudging ceremony — an Indigenous custom that is used to purify a space — at Church and Bloor streets to open the parade, which takes place on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the New Credit. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Prepare For All Kinds Of Weather(05 of10)
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The Pride Parade will go on no matter rain or shine, so come prepared for both. Pack an umbrella or an easily foldable rain coat just in case the weather calls for rain. If it calls for lots of sun, slap on the SPF and wear a hat! (credit:Rick Madonik via Getty Images)
Pride Is Wheelchair Accessible(06 of10)
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Are you a person with a disability? No problem, Pride is very accessible. Schwarzl says risers are located throughout the parade route in order to provide easy viewing for guests with accessibility needs.Risers are located on Isabella Street, St. Mary's Street, Maitland Street, Breadalbane Street, and Elm Street.There is also a section specifically for blind and low-vision spectators on Wood Street (which will have live description of the parade) and an area specifically for people with mobility devices at Edward Street. (credit:Roberto Machado Noa via Getty Images)
Leave The Car At Home(07 of10)
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Traffic is sure to be gnarled the day of the parade, so leave the car at home and take an alternate mode of travel, which will leave you a lot less frustrated. Hop on the TTC, grab your bike or just walk! (credit:Roberto Machado Noa via Getty Images)
Volunteer!(08 of10)
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Don't want to miss out on any of the action? Volunteer and you'll have the best view in the house! Pride depends on more than 1,500 volunteers to make the festival happen. There's still time to sign up so click here to find out more. (credit:Chris So via Getty Images)
Don't Forget To Party!(09 of10)
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When the Parade's over, head over to Yonge Dundas Square to watch Joe Jonas and DNCE, Well-Strung, Alex Newell and more. (credit:Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
Respect The History(10 of10)
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"Know that it's more than just a parade," Schwarzl says. "The Pride Parade represents decades of struggle and oppression for people within our community. It is a celebration of love and life that both commemorates the strides our society has taken and also reflects the long way we have to go in achieving equality." (credit:Rick Madonik via Getty Images)

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