Ep 6. The First Rainbow

Independent Lens is a critically acclaimed television series that showcases and explores the works of independent filmmakers across various genres such as political, social, and cultural issues. In episode 6 of season 21, titled "The First Rainbow," viewers are taken on a journey through time and space to witness important moments in LGBTQ+ history.

The episode primarily focuses on Gilbert Baker, the gay rights activist and artist who created the iconic rainbow flag in San Francisco in 1978. Through interviews with those who knew him, archival footage, and Baker's own journal entries, the episode tracks his journey from being a gay man who was discharged from the army for being homosexual to becoming a renowned humanitarian activist.

The first half of the episode is dedicated to exploring Baker's early days as an LGBTQ+ activist in San Francisco in the 1970s. Baker, born in Kansas, moved to San Francisco to escape his conservative upbringing, where he found a community of like-minded individuals in the thriving LGBTQ+ scene. He quickly became an integral member of the community, organizing protests and marches, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. He also began designing banners for parades and rallies, which sparked his interest in creating a symbol that could represent the LGBTQ+ community.

The second half of the episode focuses on the creation of the rainbow flag, an idea that initially struck Baker while he was sleeping. He felt that the LGBTQ+ community needed a symbol that they could rally behind, something that would be instantly recognizable and different from the pink triangle, which had been used previously as a symbol of queer identity. Drawing inspiration from the diversity he saw within the gay community and the natural beauty that surrounded him in San Francisco, Baker began sketching out designs for the flag. He decided on the rainbow as a unifying symbol of hope and inclusivity, with each color representing a particular aspect of the LGBTQ+ community.

Viewers are then taken on a journey through the creation of the first rainbow flag, as Baker and his friends worked tirelessly to complete it before the upcoming Pride parade in 1978. The flag was sewn together in several sections, with each color carefully selected for its symbolic importance. The flag was initially flown at a Gay Freedom Day celebration, where it was received with enormous enthusiasm and love, instantly becoming an iconic symbol of the LGBTQ+ community.

The episode also discusses the cultural significance of the rainbow flag and its evolution over the years. It explores how the flag has grown to represent not just the LGBTQ+ community but also a wider message of acceptance and inclusivity. It has been used as a symbol of love and diversity in protests across the globe, from Black Lives Matter to the Women's March.

Overall, "The First Rainbow" is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the creation and cultural impact of the iconic rainbow flag. Gilbert Baker was a true visionary, whose legacy lives on through the symbol he created, which continues to inspire people worldwide. The episode is both an homage to his work and an invitation for viewers to reflect on the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of inclusive representation.