Should The Rainbow Flag Be Redesigned?

In 1978, Gilbert Baker designed
 the rainbow flag (also known as
the gay pride flag) as a symbol of
LGBT pride, liberation and diversity.
"In the beginning the Rainbow Flag
was about liberation," Baker said in
 a UK Gay News op-ed piece. "It was
about breaking free of an existence
 limited by fear and conformity, the
right to express sexuality without
shame or retaliation from those who
 legislate "morality.'"

The Rainbow Flag debuted at the 1978
San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom
Day Parade. It has since been used around the world as a symbol of LGBT unity in many variations,
including adaptations such as bumper stickers and decals. However, despite its widespread use, in a
May 2008 UK Gay News op-ed, Gilbert claimed that the flag was not complete and that it continues to
grow along with the movement it represents.

But now, with the level of LGBT activism at heights unseen since Stonewall, is it time for a change? WNYC & PRI’s Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen thinks a makeover is in order. The station is asking listeners to redesign the rainbow flag for the 21st Century. Artists can submit their ideas on 360's Flikr site. The winner will be announced on WNYC's June 26th show.

"WNYC & PRI’s Studio 360 is all for gay pride...but rainbows are so...1978," the station says. What do you think? Is it time for newly designed pride flag?

Image © David Silverman/Getty Images.

By Ramon Johnson, About.com