Before mass production, Pride "merch" was a tool for political action and survival.
: Artist Gilbert Baker designed the original flag at the request of Harvey Milk to give the community a symbol of "visibility". The first flags were hand-dyed and sewn by a team of 30 volunteers. GAY PRIDE MERCHANDISE
: Originally featuring eight colors (including hot pink for sexuality and turquoise for art), the flag was eventually simplified to six colors due to manufacturing constraints and the need for symmetrical display on San Francisco lamp posts. 2. The Rise of "Rainbow Capitalism" Before mass production, Pride "merch" was a tool