The Evolution of the Pride Flag

Mattel Matello

Feb 21, 2023

3 min read

Updated: Feb 22, 2023

The addition of new colors and symbols to the flag over time.

The pride flag has evolved over time to include new colors and symbols that represent the diverse identities within the LGBTQ+ community. The original pride flag was created by artist and activist Gilbert Baker in 1978, and it featured eight colors: pink, red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue, and violet.

However, the pink and turquoise stripes were later removed due to production issues, and the flag became the iconic six-stripe design that we know today. In recent years, there have been efforts to add new colors and symbols to the pride flag to better represent the full spectrum of queer identities.

Some variations of the pride flag include:

The Progress Pride Flag

This flag was designed by artist Daniel Quasar in 2018 and features a chevron of black and brown stripes to represent people of color within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the colors pink, light blue, and white from the transgender flag.

The Philly Pride Flag

This flag was created by artist Amber Hikes in 2017 and includes black and brown stripes to represent people of color, as well as a black and brown stripe in the center to represent those who are both queer and of color.

The Transgender Pride Flag

This flag was created by Monica Helms in 1999 and features a blue stripe for masculinity, a pink stripe for femininity, and a white stripe for those who are non-binary or transitioning.

Other variations of the pride flag include flags that represent bisexual, pansexual, and asexual identities, among others. These new additions to the pride flag reflect the growing awareness and acceptance of diverse queer identities within the LGBTQ+ community.

The different versions of the flag used for specific communities within the LGBTQ+ community (e.g. bisexual, transgender, non-binary)

The LGBTQ+ community is diverse, and different groups within it often have their own flags to represent their specific identities and experiences. Here are some of the different flags used for specific communities within the LGBTQ+ community:

Bisexual flag: The bisexual flag features three horizontal stripes of pink, purple, and blue. The pink stripe represents attraction to the same gender, the blue stripe represents attraction to the opposite gender, and the purple stripe represents attraction to more than one gender.

Transgender flag: The transgender flag was designed by transgender woman Monica Helms in 1999. It features five horizontal stripes, with light blue representing baby boys, pink representing baby girls, and white representing people who are intersex, transitioning, or have a neutral or undefined gender identity. The two stripes at the top and bottom are light pink and light blue, representing those who do not fit into traditional gender roles.

Non-binary flag: The non-binary flag was created by Kye Rowan in 2014. It features four horizontal stripes of yellow, white, purple, and black. Yellow represents non-binary people who identify outside of the gender binary, white represents people with many genders or no gender, purple represents those who feel a mix of male and female, and black represents people who identify as being without gender.

Asexual flag: The asexual flag features four horizontal stripes of black, grey, white, and purple. Black represents asexuality, grey represents the grey-area between sexual and asexual, white represents sexuality, and purple represents community.

Intersex flag: The intersex flag was created in 2013 by Morgan Carpenter, an intersex activist. It features a purple circle on a yellow background, with a purple arrow extending from the circle. The circle represents wholeness and completeness, and the arrow represents progress and forward movement.

Genderfluid flag: The genderfluid flag was designed by JJ Poole in 2012. It features five horizontal stripes of pink, white, purple, black, and blue. Pink represents femininity, white represents lack of gender, purple represents a mix of masculinity and femininity, black represents all genders, and blue represents masculinity.

It's important to note that while these flags can be helpful in representing different identities and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, not everyone in these communities necessarily identifies with or uses these flags. Additionally, there may be other flags used to represent specific identities or experiences that are not mentioned here.