The original rainbow Pride flag, created by artist and activist Gilbert Baker in 1978, is making history with its first-ever exhibition outside the United States. The hand-stitched flag, first unveiled at San Francisco’s Gay Freedom Day Parade, is now on loan to Cork, Ireland, for four months, coinciding with the opening of Cork Public Museum’s first permanent LGBTQ+ exhibition. In March, the GLBT Historical Society, the flag’s official caretaker, signed a loan agreement with the City of Cork and Cork Public Museum. Museum curator Dan Breen said, “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.”
