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Gilbert Baker, the designer of the iconic rainbow flag, has died. Cleve Jones, an AIDS activist and Baker's longtime friend confirms that he died in his sleep on Thursday, March 30, 2017 in New York.In 1978, Baker sewed a multicolored flag that became the symbol of the LGBT community across the world.

A vigil in Baker's memory was held on Friday evening under the rainbow flag in San Francisco's United Nations Plaza.The banner could be seen flying half-staff from the balcony of Mayor Ed Lee who said:
"Gilbert was a trailblazer for LGBT rights, a powerful artist and a true friend to all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his friends and family. He will be missed".

Baker was born in Chanute, Kansas, and joined the US Army as a medic. He arrived in San Francisco in 1970 to work at an orthopedic hospital where Vietnam veterans underwent skin grafts and amputations. After his honorable discharge from the military, he stayed in San Francisco and immersed himself in the gay and lesbian community.