The rainbow Pride flag is one of the most recognisable symbols of the LGBTQIA+ community. But it isn't the only flag you'll see at Pride events, marches or celebrations.

Across the LGBTQIA+ community, different flags have been created to represent sexual orientations, gender identities and communities. Each has its own history, colours and symbolism — and, in some cases, more than one version of the flag exists.

In this guide, we'll look at some of the most widely recognised LGBTQIA+ flags and explore what they represent.

Agender

Agender generally describes someone who does not identify with a particular gender, or who experiences little or no connection to gender. People may use different terms to describe their experience, including genderless or gender-free.

The agender pride flag was designed by Salem X in 2014 and consists of seven horizontal stripes.

The colours are commonly interpreted as:

• • Black and white: The absence of gender.
  • Grey: Partial or limited connection to gender.
  • Green: Non-binary identities.

As with many pride flags, the exact meaning attributed to the colours can vary, but the flag is broadly recognised as a symbol of agender identity and visibility.

Aromantic

Aromantic describes people who experience little or no romantic attraction. Aromanticism exists on a spectrum, and people's experiences of romantic attraction can differ considerably.

Several aromantic flags have been created over the years. The most widely recognised version has five horizontal stripes in dark green, light green, white, grey and black.

The colours are generally associated with:

• • Dark green: Aromanticism.
  • Light green: The aromantic spectrum.
  • White: Queer and non-romantic relationships.
  • Grey: Grey-romantic and demiromantic identities.
  • Black: The sexuality spectrum.

The flag is a symbol of aromantic visibility and helps challenge the assumption that romantic relationships are an essential part of everyone's life.

Asexual

Asexuality describes experiencing little or no sexual attraction. It is a spectrum, and asexual people can have very different experiences of attraction, relationships and intimacy.

The asexual pride flag was created in 2010 following discussions within the asexual community. Its four horizontal stripes are:

• • Black: Asexuality.
  • Grey: Grey-asexuality and demisexuality.
  • White: Sexuality and allosexuality.
  • Purple: Community.

Asexuality is not the same as celibacy or simply choosing not to have sex. It describes an aspect of sexual attraction and identity.

Bisexual

The bisexual pride flag was created by Michael Page in 1998. It consists of three horizontal stripes in pink, purple and blue.

The colours are traditionally described as:

• • Pink or magenta: Attraction to the same or similar genders.
  • Purple: Attraction to more than one gender.
  • Blue: Attraction to a different gender.

Bisexuality generally refers to attraction to more than one gender. It does not necessarily mean being attracted to men and women equally, nor does it require attraction to only two genders.

The bisexual flag has become an important symbol of visibility and pride for the bisexual community.

Genderfluid

Genderfluid describes a gender identity that can change or shift over time. A genderfluid person may experience different genders, or different degrees of connection to gender, at different points in their life.

The genderfluid pride flag was designed by JJ Poole in 2012 and has five horizontal stripes:

• • Pink: Femininity.
  • White: Lack of gender.
  • Purple: A combination of genders.
  • Black: All genders and identities outside the traditional binary.
  • Blue: Masculinity.

Being genderfluid is not about changing one's appearance or personality. It refers specifically to a person's experience of their own gender.

Genderqueer

Genderqueer is a broad term used by some people whose gender does not fit within traditional ideas of being exclusively male or female. Someone who identifies as genderqueer might identify as both, neither, or somewhere outside the conventional gender binary.

The genderqueer pride flag was designed by writer and activist Marilyn Roxie. The final version of the flag was developed in 2011 and features lavender, white and chartreuse stripes.

The colours are commonly associated with:

• • Lavender: A combination of masculinity and femininity, as well as queer identities.
  • White: Agender and gender-neutral identities.
  • Chartreuse Green: Non-binary and third-gender identities.

Genderqueer and non-binary are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not necessarily the same. Some people identify as one, some with both, and others with neither.

Lesbian

Lesbian is commonly used to describe women who are attracted to women, although some non-binary people also identify with the term.

There have been several lesbian pride flags over the years. Earlier designs include the Labrys Lesbian flag and the Lipstick Lesbian flag. Today, the orange-and-pink lesbian flag created by Emily Gwen in 2018 is one of the most widely recognised versions.

The seven stripes range from dark orange to dark rose and are commonly associated with ideas including gender non-conformity, independence, community, relationships, love, femininity and serenity.

The existence of several lesbian flags reflects the diversity within the community. Different people may feel connected to different designs, and no single flag can represent every lesbian experience.

Non-Binary

Non-binary is an umbrella term for people whose gender does not fit exclusively within the categories of male or female. Some non-binary people may identify as having no gender, multiple genders, a gender somewhere between male and female, or a gender that is entirely separate from those categories.

The non-binary pride flag was designed by Kye Rowan in 2014. It has four horizontal stripes:

• • Yellow: Genders outside the traditional binary.
  • White: People who identify with many or all genders.
  • Purple: A combination of male and female genders.
  • Black: People who do not identify with any gender.

Non-binary people may use a wide range of identities and pronouns. There is no single way to be non-binary.

Polysexual

Polysexuality describes experiencing attraction to multiple, but not necessarily all, genders.

The original polysexual pride flag was created by Tumblr user Tomlin in 2012. It features pink, green and blue stripes, traditionally associated with attraction to women, non-binary people and men respectively.

Polysexuality, bisexuality and pansexuality can sometimes overlap in how people experience attraction, but they are distinct identities. The label someone chooses is ultimately up to them.

Pansexual

Pansexuality generally describes attraction that is not limited by gender. Some pansexual people describe themselves as being attracted to people regardless of gender, while others may describe their experience differently.

The pansexual pride flag emerged online around 2010 and features three horizontal stripes:

• • Pink: Attraction to women.
  • Blue: Attraction to men.
  • Yellow: Attraction to people of other or non-binary genders.

Pansexuality and bisexuality are sometimes confused because both can involve attraction to more than one gender. However, they are separate identities, and people may use whichever term best reflects their own experience.

Transgender

Transgender describes people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

The transgender pride flag was created by transgender activist Monica Helms in 1999 and first displayed publicly at a Pride event in Phoenix, Arizona.

The flag has five horizontal stripes:

• • Light blue: Traditionally associated with boys.
  • Pink: Traditionally associated with girls.
  • White: Represents people who are transitioning, intersex people, and people with a neutral or undefined gender.

The flag has a distinctive feature: its design looks the same when turned upside down. Helms intended this to represent finding the correct direction in life and identity.

Why Do LGBTQIA+ Flags Matter?

Pride flags can provide something incredibly important: visibility.

For people within the LGBTQIA+ community, seeing a flag that represents their identity can be a reminder that they are not alone. Flags can help people find community, express who they are and celebrate identities that have historically been misunderstood or overlooked.

For allies, learning about these flags is one small way to better understand the diversity of LGBTQIA+ experiences.

It's also important to remember that no two people's experiences are necessarily the same. Labels and flags can be meaningful to some people and less meaningful to others. Meanings can also evolve over time as communities grow and change.

Ultimately, these flags are about identity, visibility, community and pride.

We believe everyone deserves to feel comfortable being themselves and to be treated with respect, understanding and kindness. Whether you're part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, taking the time to listen, learn and support others can make a meaningful difference.

If you'd like to continue learning, explore our other LGBTQIA+ resources or get in touch with us to share your experiences, questions or thoughts.

Keep Learning With Us

We hope this guide has helped you learn a little more about the different flags used across the LGBTQIA+ community and the identities they represent.

There is always more to learn, and we’re committed to creating supportive, informative content that celebrates LGBTQIA+ identities, shares useful resources and encourages understanding and allyship.

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Thank you for reading, and remember: everyone deserves to feel seen, respected and supported for who they are.