The rainbow flag has become a recognized symbol of the gay and lesbian community. Use of the rainbow flag began in the 1970s, primarily on the West Coast where it could be seen waving in the wind during Gay Pride marches. Today it is recognized throughout the US, Canada, and Europe as a symbol of gay and lesbian pride. The six colors of the rainbow represent the diversity of the lesbian and gay community, a community that encompasses people from all backgrounds, races, and national origins and that spans the panoply of faiths and experience
