What does pride flag mean

Flags of the LGBTIQ Community

Flags have always been an integral part of the LGBTIQ+ movement. They are a observable representation meant to mark progress, advocate for voice, and amplify the claim and drive for collective action. There have been many LGBTIQ+ flags over the years. Some contain evolved, while others are constantly being conceptualized and created.

Rainbow Flag

Created in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, the iconic Pride Rainbow flag originally had eight stripes. The colors included pink to represent sexuality, red for healing, yellow for sun, green for serenity with nature, turquoise for art, indigo for unity, and violet for liveliness. In the years since, the flag now has six colors. It no longer has a pink stripe, and the turquoise and indigo stripes were replaced with royal blue.

Progress Pride Flag

Created in 2018 by nonbinary musician Daniel Quasar, the Progress Pride flag is based on the iconic 1978 rainbow flag. With stripes of black and brown to represent marginalized LGBTIQ+ people of color and the triad of sky, pink, and white from the trans flag, the design represents diversity and inclusion.

Trans Flag

Conceived by Monica Helms, an

Pride Flags

Flags are often used as symbols of lgbtq+ fest. It is no surprise then that numerous event flags have been created to represent the sexual and gender diversity of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Explore all the different flags and their meanings.

Interested in exploring further? Take the online Positive Space: Foundations course to learn more about sex, sexuality, and gender diversity.

This resource is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of self-acceptance flags. If you hold a suggestion for a flag to add or have any feedback on the information provided, please contact us.

 

  • Achillean Flag

    Achillean: Men or men-aligned individuals who are attracted to other men and men-aligned people. It is sometimes famous as men loving men (MLM). Achillean individuals may or may not be attracted to other genders. While this label isn’t exclusive, it is used to unify men-aligned people or men who cherish other men.

    Date: 2016
    Creator: Redesigned by DeviantArt (Tumblr user)
    Flag meaning: The first iteration was created by pridenpositivity (Tumblr user). The flag contains the color cerulean to represent men and a lime-green carnation in the center, which was popularized by Oscar Wilde

    The Progress Pride flag was developed in 2018 by non-binary American artist and designer Daniel Quasar (who uses xe/xyr pronouns). Based on the iconic rainbow flag from 1978, the redesign celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQ people and calls for a more inclusive society. In 2020, the V&A acquired a bespoke applique version of the Progress Event flag that can be seen on display in the Design 1900 – Now gallery.

    'Progress' is a reinterpretation of multiple iterations of the pride flag. The original 'rainbow flag' was created by Gilbert Baker in 1978 to celebrate members of the gay and lesbian political movement. It comprised eight coloured stripes stacked on top of each other to evoke a rainbow, a symbol of wish. Baker assigned a specific meaning to each colour: pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for magic, indigo for serenity and violet for spirit. A year later the pink and turquoise stripes were dropped owing to a shortage of pink fabric at the time and legibility concerns, resulting in the six-colour rainbow flag most commonly used in the first decades of the 21st century.

    Baker's flag was embra what does pride flag mean

    The Pride Flag

    Flying the Intersex-Inclusive Pride Flag – or other iterations of the Celebration Flag – in our federal buildings supports federal endeavors and mandates to build a diverse and inclusive workforce, in addition to serving diverse Canadians in an inclusive way. 

    Visible Pride flags are a uncomplicated way to contribute to a feeling of belonging and demonstrate that your department, agency and/or team celebrates the diversity of all staff. This seeable representation leads to inclusion and a sense of belonging, providing equity-deserving groups and employees with a positive feeling of being known, acknowledged and noted.

    The Intersex-Inclusive Identity festival flag can be flown at various times during the calendar year. These dates can include:

    • International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia – May 17
    • International Day of Pink (second week of April, annually)
    • Pride Month (dates vary across provinces and territories, from June to September annually)
    • Public Service Pride Week (third week of August, annually)

    There is no directive that states that the National Flag of Canada must be the only flag to fly in the lobbies or other open spaces within Governmen

    Here’s What the Diverse LGBTQIA+ Flags Represent

    LGBTQIA+

    When we think of Pride Month, the first image that typically comes to mind is the classic rainbow flag. However, many people don’t realize that along with the Rainbow Pride Flag, there are an array of unlike identifiers that symbolize the diverse gay community. While many in the LGBTQIA+ community identify with the all-encompassing rainbow flag, each collective has its retain flag to symbolize its unique contributions and stories within the community. Here’s a rundown of the different flags and what they represent.


    The Gilbert Baker Pride Flag

    The first rainbow pride flag was designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978 at the request of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California. Gilbert chose the rainbow as it represents a symbol of hope. 

    Original flag colors and meaning: 

    Pink: sex; Red: life; Orange: healing; Yellow: sunlight; Green: nature; Turquoise: magic; Blue: harmony; Violet: spirit.

    Rainbow Pride Flag 

    This is the iteration of the Pride Flag that we all know today, used to symbolize the overall LGBTQIA+ collective. In this version, the pink and turquoise were exclu