If you've ever been to a Pride parade, seen photos, or browsed sites like LGBTQPrideHoodies.com, you know the rainbow is king (or queen, or any empernors in between!). That vibrant burst of color is a symbol that's both instantly recognizable and deeply layered with meaning.
But did you know there's not just one Pride flag? Over the years, the LGBTQ+ community and allies have created a kaleidoscope of banners, each representing different identities and aspects of our shared journey. Let's dive in!
Spotlight on the Flags: Inclusivity Evolves
1. The Inclusive Pride Flag
Perhaps the most encompassing flag today is the Inclusive Pride flag. It features the classic rainbow stripes alongside a right-facing chevron holding five colors: light blue, pink, white, brown, and black. These colors collectively represent the transgender community, as well as queer people of color (QPOC). This flag emphasizes that everyone is a valued part of the LGBTQ+ community and our fight for equality.
2. The Progress Pride Flag
The Progress Pride flag is a close relative of the Inclusive Pride flag. It features the same chevron, designed to always fly on the left and point forward – signifying progress toward a more just and inclusive world for all LGBTQ+ people. It is the addition of the Intersex yellow and purple ring into the chevron's base which is the different between the Progress Pride flag shown above with the white base, and the Inclusive Pride flag version.
3. The Rainbow Pride Flags - Gilbert Baker, and Rainbow Pride
This is the OG of pride flags! Designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, it underwent some slight modifications due to production logistics, and evolved into the well-known Rainbow Pride flag below.
This simple yet powerful design has become the most widely recognized symbol of LGBTQ+ pride worldwide. This icon remains a timeless rallying cry for love, equality, and the beauty of diversity.
4. The Philadelphia Pride Flag
In 2017, the City of Philadelphia raised a modified version of the rainbow flag, adding black and brown stripes. This was a powerful statement recognizing the crucial roles people of color have played in LGBTQ+ history and the ongoing fight against racial injustice within and outside our community.
Specific Identities, Shining Bright
We've just scratched the surface of the Pride flag universe! Here are a few more flags representing specific identities within our vibrant community:
- Lesbian Pride Flag: Bold shades of orange and pink for empowerment, community, and female-centered love.
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Transgender Pride Flag: Light blue and pink stripes with a central white stripe, symbolizing the beautiful spectrum of trans identities and experiences.
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Non-Binary Pride Flag: Yellow, white, purple, and black – colors that represent those existing beyond the traditional gender binary
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Agender Pride Flag: Black, white, grey, and green, reflecting the complex and valid reality of those without a gender identity.
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Ally Pride Flag A black and white background with a centered rainbow-colored 'A' – reminding us the power of solidarity.
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Asexual Pride Flag: Black, grey, white, and purple, highlighting ace experiences within the broader spectrum of identities.
- Bisexual Pride Flag: Magenta, purple, and blue, a symbol of attraction across the gender spectrum.
Did You Know? Pride History Highlight
Did you know the first rainbow flag was flown at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade on June 25, 1978? Gilbert Baker and friends hand-dyed the fabric themselves! (Baker, Gilbert, 1996)
Celebrate Your Colors and Wear Them Proudly!
Whether you're marching at Pride, rocking a hoodie from LGBTQPrideHoodies.com, or simply displaying a flag in your window, these symbols hold immense power. They remind us we're not alone, that our history is rich and ongoing, and that while we celebrate our uniqueness, we remain united as a beautifully diverse community.
Links for Learning!
This is just the start of your pride flag journey! For a deeper dive into Pride flag history and LGBTQ+ history in general, check out these resources:
- Smithsonian Institute's Gallery Pages for the LGBTQ History display: https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/topics/lgbtq-history
- A Britannica video explaining why Pride Month occurs in June https://www.britannica.com/video/244049/history-of-LGBTQ-plus-pride-month
- TalkAboutX.org in Australia's excellent guide to understanding the LGBTIQA+ acronym's labels which are flying their own Pride Flags under the Rainbow spectrum.
https://www.talkaboutx.org/post/lgbt-glossary-full-acronym
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this guide, where we'll explore even more fabulous flags!