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LGBTQIA+ flags are more than bright banners at Pride events—they are powerful symbols of identity, visibility, and community. Each flag represents a specific group within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum and holds deep meaning in its design and colours. These flags serve as both a celebration of diversity and a reminder of the ongoing need for equality and recognition.

In this blog, we’ll explore why LGBTQIA+ flags matter, the significance of some of the most well-known flags, and the importance of continuing to raise them high.

Why Do We Have LGBTQIA+ Flags?

Flags have long been used as emblems of collective identity. For the LGBTQIA+ community, flags help to:

• Promote visibility: They affirm the presence of diverse identities in public spaces.
• Foster unity and pride: They provide a sense of belonging and community.
• Protest: They remind us of the past and the ongoing need for rights and recognition.

Importantly, there is no single “LGBTQIA+ flag.” The community is not monolithic, and multiple flags exist to reflect the of sexual, romantic, and gender diversity.

The Rainbow Flag (Progress Pride Flag)

Originally created by Gilbert Baker in 1978; modern redesign by Daniel Quasar (2018)

The original Rainbow Flag has become one of the most widely recognised symbols of LGBTQIA+ pride.

In 2018, the Progress Pride Flag was introduced to include black and brown stripes to represent LGBTQIA+ people of colour, and light blue, pink, and white stripes in a chevron shape to represent the transgender community. It highlights the need for inclusion and progress, especially for marginalised groups within the community.

The Transgender Flag

Designed by Monica Helms (1999) it features three colours:

• Light blue – Traditional colour for boys
• Pink – Traditional colour for girls
• White – Those who are transitioning, gender-neutral, or identify outside the binary

The Bisexual Flag

Designed by Michael Page (1998) it features three colours:

• Pink – Attraction to the same gender
• Blue – Attraction to the opposite gender
• Purple (overlap) – Attraction to more than one gender

The bisexual flag helps make the bi+ community visible, especially since bisexuality is often erased or misunderstood.

The Pansexual Flag

• Pink – Attraction to women
• Blue – Attraction to men
• Yellow – Attraction to people of all genders, including non-binary individuals

Pansexuality differs from bisexuality in that it explicitly includes attraction to all gender identities, not just “both” male and female.

The Asexual Flag

• Black – Asexuality
• Grey – Grey-asexuality and demisexuality
• White – Sexuality
• Purple – Community

This flag represents the asexual spectrum, including people who may experience little or no sexual attraction.

The Non-Binary Flag

Designed by Kye Rowan (2014) it features four colours:

• Yellow – People whose gender exists outside the binary
• White – People with multiple genders
• Purple – People with a mix of male and female genders
• Black – People who identify as agender (no gender)

Unlike the transgender flag, which focuses on transitioning between binary genders, the non-binary flag is for those who exist outside or beyond that framework.

The Intersex Flag

Designed by Morgan Carpenter (2013) it features two colours:

• Yellow – Often used as a gender-neutral colour
• Purple circle – Wholeness, autonomy, and intersex people’s right to self-determination

Intersex people are born with variations in sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female. The intersex flag avoids traditional gender colours and symbols, emphasising individuality and bodily autonomy.

Other Flags 

There are many more flags representing identities including but not limited to:

• Lesbian Pride Flag (orange-to-pink gradient with a white bar, often used to represent the diversity of lesbian experiences)
• Genderqueer Flag
• Agender Flag
• Demisexual Flag
• Polysexual Flag
• Aromantic Flag

Each one exists to affirm a community, support visibility, and offer a sense of shared identity.

What Can You Do As an Ally?

• Learn the meanings behind flags and what they represent—don’t be afraid to ask or research respectfully.
• Display flags in your office, student space, or at events to show support.
• Recognise that visibility matters—especially in environments where LGBTQIA+ people may not always feel safe or seen.
• Celebrate diversity—but also understand that flags are tied to lived experiences, struggles, and advocacy work.

Final Thoughts

LGBTQIA+ flags are rich in history and meaning. They tell stories of courage, celebration, grief, and hope. Whether flown at Pride or displayed on a university noticeboard, each flag reminds us that representation matters, and that every identity deserves recognition, respect, and inclusion.