Cork to host original 'rainbow flag' for its first trip outside of US

The GLBT Historical Society in San Francisco recently hosted the Lord Mayor of Cork, Fergal Dennehy, to sign an agreement to loan the original 'Rainbow flag' for an exhibition at Cork Public Museum later this year.

This is the first international loan and exhibition of the original Rainbow Flag, designed by American artist and activist Gilbert Baker in 1978, outside of the United States.

The flag is a fragment of one of the two rainbow flags first raised in San Francisco’s pride parade, hand stitched and dyed by Mr Baker and a team of 30 volunteers, with eight colour stripes, two of which were later removed.

Thought to have been lost for over 40 years, the fragment was rediscovered in late 2019.

Mr Dennehy said: 

“It is a privilege to announce that the original Gilbert Baker Rainbow Flag from 1978 will be exhibited internationally for the first time at Cork Public Museum.

“We look forward to launching a comprehensive programme of community engagement as befits this piece of world history, and international symbol of freedom, hope and love,” he said, thanking the GLBT Historical Society, San Francisco City Hall, the Irish Consulate General and the San Francisco-Cork Sister City Committee.

Museum curator Dan Breen said: “The Cork Public Museum is delighted to be collaborating with the GLBT Historical Society to bring this unique icon of modern cultural and social history to Cork for the first time.

“Having Gilbert Baker’s flag on public display at the museum sends a strong message that Cork Public Museum is a place for everyone, regardless of your age, gender or sexual orientation.

“The flag’s arrival will coincide with the opening of the museum’s first permanent LGBTQ+ exhibition, underlining the museum’s continued commitment to collect, preserve, display and make accessible to the public the histories and material heritage of those groups and communities traditionally marginalised from the story of Cork’s past.” 

GLBT Historical Society executive director Roberto Ordeñana said: “As stewards of the original Rainbow Flag, created in 1978, we are entrusted with preserving its history and increasing greater awareness of its legacy.

“The Rainbow flag’s importance extends far beyond any one museum, city, or nation—our shared history belongs to all of us, regardless of borders. 

"This international collaboration reaffirms our commitment to keeping LGBTQ+ history visible and accessible to all and sharing global solidarity during a moment when the most vulnerable among our LGBTQ community face increased attacks and erasure all around the world.” 

Cork city Labour councillor John Maher told The Echo: “This is fantastic news for Cork City. The original Pride flag coming to Cork on tour is a statement of love, hope and solidarity.

“This flag and these colours represent love, life, healing, the sun, serenity, art and magic, nature and spirit, something every person can relate to. It’s important that we as a community celebrate and acknowledge our history and all those who went before us in harder times. We must continue the quest for full equality.”