In 1978 Gilbert Baker, the person who created the flag, came to the Castro law office of a young LGBT civil rights attorney in private practice named Matt Coles. But that flag came close to being a trademarked symbol that could have kept it from public use. Here in San Francisco, a huge rainbow flag waves over the Castro District. The rainbow flag is known all over the world as a symbol of LGBT rights and acceptance. Meet Matt Coles, who has been fighting for them from the beginning. The fight for LGBT equality in the Bay Area has faced plenty of challenges.

(Originally posted on the ACLU of Northern California blog.