LGBTQIA+ Identity Flags
Pride Flags
While we all may be familiar with the traditional gay pride flag, there are many more for the other identities.
This list is not a complete log of all the identities and flags. Stop by the Intercultural Center to learn more.
Traditional Gay Pride Flag
This is the most common flag seen flown at pride festivals and other LGBTQIA+ events. This flag has gone through many changes since its debut in 1977. Originally an 8 color flag, this moving symbol was created by veteran, Gilbert Baker, after Harvey Milk asked him to come up with a symbol of pride for the gay community. The original flag was inspired by Judy Garland’s “Over the Rainbow.”
Each color holds a powerful meaning.
Red: life and sexuality
Orange: healing and friendship
Yellow: vitality and energy
Green: serenity and nature
Blue: harmony and artistry
Violet: spirit and gratitude
Philadelphia People of Color Inclusive Flag
Historically, queer people of color were often not fully included in the LGBTQIA+ community. At bars and festivals, queer people of color were often faced with harmful and sometimes violent discrimination. Because of this, the city of Philadelphia added black and brown to the flag in honor of the many underrepresented queer people of color.
Progress Pride Flag
This flag takes Philadelphia’s idea a bit further. Designed by Daniel Quasar, this flag seeks to include queer and non-binary individuals, as well people of color who identify within the margins of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Bisexual Flag
Designed by Michael Page, this flag was created to bring visibility to the bisexual community.
Pansexual Pride
This flag was created to represent those who identify as pansexual. Pansexuality is the attraction to any individual, regardless of gender or gender expression.
Transgender Flag
The trans flag was created in 1999 by Monica Helms, a trans woman. The flag was first flown at a Pride Parade in Phoenix in 2000. The light blue represents boys, and the pink represents girls. The white is used to symbolize those who are transitioning, those who feel they have a neutral gender or no gender and those who are intersex. The pattern was strategically picked so that, regardless of which way you fly the flag, it will always be correct. Helms chose this orientation to symbolize those trying to find correctness in their own lives.
Intersex Flag
The intersex flag was created in 2013 by Intersex International Australia. The flag features non-gendered colors to celebrate those that live outside the binary.
Asexual Flag
The asexual flag was created to represent individuals do not experience any sexual attraction.