The zenith was Gilbert’s creation of flags, banners and bunting for the 1984 Democratic National Convention at San Francisco’s Moscone Center.
These successes brought Gilbert numerous high-profile commissions from the city, designing flags for distinguished events such as visits by foreign heads of state and dignitaries. His work caught the attention of Mayor Dianne Feinstein, who commissioned him to design flags and banners for her first elected inaugural ceremony. The next year, Gilbert found work at Paramount Flag Company in San Francisco, creating flamboyant window displays for the business. On June 25, 1978, Gilbert raised the banners in United Nations Plaza to commemorate that year’s San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. Working with friends, he dyed and sewed the first Rainbow Flags. He sought to replace the pink triangle, a Nazi relic from World War II. At the suggestion of friends and colleagues, including San Francisco supervisor Harvey Milk, Gilbert began work on the creation of a new symbol for the gay and lesbian political movement. (Credit Fredrik Persson/Agence France-Presse - Getty Images)Īfter completing his military service, Gilbert used his artistic talents in his political efforts, creating banners for anti-war and pro-gay marches and protests. Gilbert Baker, heading the Stockholm Pride Parade in 2003.
