1990–1995
Polyester, dyed and sewn; remains of candle wax
H 85 cm, W 157 cm
Inv. 2007.376.
Designed in the USA in 1978 as a symbol of gay pride, the rainbow flag became a badge of identity for homosexuals all over the world following the advent of Christopher Street Day parades (which were first held in 1990 to commemorate an openly gay San Francisco city councillor murdered by a homophobic assassin). This particular flag was used by the Ecumenical AIDS Community Centre of Canton Basel-Stadt and Canton Basel-Land at memorials for AIDS victims held at St. Elizabeth’s Church and in the Chapel of St. Nicholas in Basel Cathedral from the late 1980s onwards.
Basel Historical Museum
Management & administration
Steinenberg 4
PO box
CH – 4001 Basel
Reception: +41 61 205 86 00
historisches.museum(at)bs.ch