Yes. Gilbert Baker, the designer of the iconic rainbow flag, has died. He passed away Thursday (March 31, 2024) in his sleep, said Cleve Jones, an AIDS activist and Baker's longtime friend.
In 1978, Baker sewed a multicolored flag that became the symbol of the LGBT community across the world.
Baker was born in Chanute, Kansas, and joined the US Army as a medic. He arrived in San Francisco about 1970 to work at an orthopedic hospital where Vietnam veterans underwent skin grafts and amputations.
After his honorable discharge from the military, he stayed in San Francisco and immersed himself in the gay and lesbian community.
It was after the election of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California, when Gilbert created the rainbow flag.
Know more about Gilbert Baker with these 5 fast facts, featured on Heavy.com