Name That Flag! LGBTQIA+ Flags and Meanings

Flags. We’ve all seen them before. They’re typically decorative, but some are used to symbolize or represent certain groups of people, places, or things.

In today’s class, we’ll dive into some of the awesome, colorful flags that represent the LGBTQIA+ community. The importance of Pride flags is huge, because it helps us feel seen. Recognized. And most importantly, supported. Hanging these flags helps build a sense of community throughout the LGBTQIA+ world, and it offers allies a way to support the community, as well.

The more support and visibility the LGBTQIA+ people receive, the more comfortable we feel in our own skin. In our own neighborhood. Pride flags promote positivity, inclusiveness, and equality. Instead of feeling isolated, these pennants bring people together.

The O.G. Pride Flag

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According to the National Park Service, the original rainbow pride flag was designed in 1978 by artist Gilbert Baker. The creation of this flag was following several hate crimes against the LGBTQIA+ community. He launched the Gay Freedom Day Parade that year, and blasted the town with as many rainbow flags as possible.

“I thought of flags in a new light. I discovered the depth of their power, their transcendent, transformational quality. I thought of the emotional connection they hold.” – Gilbert Baker

The colorful original pride flag held eight rainbow colors, each representing specific aspects, such as spirit, serenity, magic and art, nature, sunlight, healing, life, and sex.

The Bisexual Pride Flag

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In 1998, Michael Page released the Bisexual flag. The variety of colors represent attraction to multiple genders. Blue plus pink equals purple, and that’s what that flag is all about: mixing things up. The pink stripe represents same-sex attraction, with the blue representing straight sexual attraction. The purple represents both!

The Transgender Pride Flag

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Designed by an American trans woman, Monica Helms, this 1999 flag represents the trans community, individuals, and organizations. Not only do the pennants represent pride and diversity, these flags promote right and remembrance.

“The stripes at the top and bottom are light blue, the traditional color for baby boys. The stripes next to them are pink, the traditional color for baby girls. The stripe in the middle is white, for those who are transitioning or consider themselves having a neutral or undefined gender.” – Monia Helms

The Pansexual Flag

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Remember Tumblr? In 2010, the Pansexual flag was posted anonymously by creator Jasper V. This flag was developed to recognize various sexual attractions and relationships between people of different sexualities and genders. The pink represents those who identify as female. The blue represents those who identify as male. The yellow represents those who are somewhere within (or beyond) the gender spectrum. With these three stripes, judgment and ostracism and prejudices are challenges.

The More Colors More Pride

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Announced June 14 (Flag Day) 2017, Philadelphia dropped a new spin on the Pride flag, adding black and brown stripes to the rainbow, recognizing LGBTQIA+ people of color. With this flag design, Philly’s goal was to be more inclusive, and to recognize people who may have been typically left out of the LGBTQIA+ experience.

The Progress Pride Flag

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Fast forward a year, artist Daniel Quasar launches the Progress Pride flag. Maintaining the black and brown stripes to represent community members of color, additional stripes were added to represent marginalized individuals, like trans people, those living with HIV/AIDS, and those who have been lost. The chevron design puts emphasis on the need to keep moving forward.

The Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag

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Jump to 2021, Valentino Vecchietti designs a new take on the Progress Pride flag, looping in the intersex community for their Intersex Inclusion Campaign. The circle symbolizes being unbroken, and represents the right to make your own decisions about your body. Not only is this flag a symbol of inclusion, it definitely touches on human rights, as well.

A New Spin on Pride Flags

Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+, you’re an ally, a parent, a friend… Pride flags are a great thing to hang from your home to show your allegiance to the community. Galfie was founded by wife-duo Hannah and Jade Sullivan, and their goal is to rep the community as much as possible. Grab some queer-centric house flags for yourself and your neighbors!