The artist and activist began making the flags in the 70's during the height of the gay rights movement in San Francisco.

Aids and gay rights activist Cleve Jones, a long time friend of Baker, made the announcement via twitter;

My dearest friend in the world is gone. Gilbert Baker gave the world the Rainbow Flag; he gave me forty years of love and friendship. pic.twitter.com/titd3XZ0zD

— Cleve Jones (@CleveJones1) March 31, 2017

Gilbert Baker was originally from Kansas, and while serving in the army in the 70's he was stationed in San Francisco. He got involved with the gay rights movement and began designing and making the iconic flags, many times at the request of his good friend Harvey Milk, who would later be assassinated for his involvement. The openly gay artist initially designed an eight-colour flag in 1978 for the city's gay freedom day, the precursor to the modern pride parade. No details have yet been made available on the cause of Baker’s death, according to the San Francisco Chronicle he died in his sleep at his home in New York City.   [caption id="attachment_340680" align="alignnone" width="594"]  Rainbow Flag Creator Gilbert Baker poses at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) on January 7, 2016 in New York City.  (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)[/caption]   Cleve Jones also tweeted a picture of Baker and Barack Obama and asked friends and supporters to come together to mourn this loss,  

San Francisco friends, meet me under Gilbert's flag tonight 7pm Castro/Market. pic.twitter.com/yPCk4jrXBX

— Cleve Jones (@CleveJones1) March 31, 2017