Gilbert Baker himself encourages the LGBT community to continue to remake the flag for ourselves. Since then, the now-common six color flag is only one of many variations, all of which symbolize the diversity and inclusiveness of the LGBT movement. The original version of the flag had eight colors, each of which stood for concepts including healing, sunlight, nature, and spirit.
The rainbow flag has changed dramatically since its first hand-dyed creation by Gilbert Baker and his boyfriend Jomar Teng. A (very) BRIEF HISTORY OF LGBTQ ART AND SYMBOLISM