Max Liberman

Too Much Uniformity in Gender and Sexuality Flags

Originally published in the Vexilloid Tabloid, no. 99,

We’re in the midst of a great proliferation of flags to symbolize diverse forms of sexuality and gender, and the communities and subcultures that emerge around them.

A crowd of people with various colorful striped flags draped over a fence

Many of these flags are proudly flown, waved, hung and even worn; many more seem to exist primarily as digital artifacts. I recognize and celebrate the impulse that leads people to create and use flags to represent what matters deeply to them.

The designs themselves, however, often leave much to be desired. A great many are strikingly similar: plain fields of colored horizontal stripes, with specific meaning supposed to be attached to each color.

A horizontally striped flag, dark green–pale green–white–pink–plum
Abrosexuality
A horizontally striped flag, yellow–white–purple–black
Non-binary gender
A horizontally striped flag, fuchsia–green–blue
Polysexuality

These are presumably, and understandably, inspired by the rainbow flag. But it’s been overdone. The notion seems to have taken hold that this must be the pattern for gender and sexuality flags; and that is unfortunate.

When too many designs follow this same limited model, they are not distinctive, not recognizable and not memorable. Rather than clearly expressing identity, they risk fading into monotonous uniformity. In short, they become less effective symbols.

A horizontally striped flag with a seven-color gradient from teal through white to indigo
Male homosexuality
A horizontally striped flag, dark green–pale green–white–grey–black
Aromanticism
A horizontally striped flag, dark blue–light blue–orange–light blue–dark blue
Multigender
A horizontally striped flag, dark grey–light grey–pink–white–pink–light grey–dark grey
Demi-girls

A flag like this can come off as uninspired. It will too easily be confused with others. And while the detailed color symbolism may be meaningful to the designer, it will likely not be apparent to viewers – and there is nothing else unique or characteristic about the flag.

It’s ironic that we see this rigid adherence to formula in a family of flags which is all about the seemingly limitless diversity among humans.

Happily, there are examples of gender and sexuality flags with more varied and iconic symbolism. They stand out from the crowd. They won’t be mistaken for any of dozens of other flags. They’re meaningful even if someone doesn’t remember what each color is supposed to stand for.

A yellow flag with a purple ring
Intersex
A horizontally striped flag in browns, tans and greys, with a black paw-print in the canton
Bear subculture
A purple flag with a black inverted triangle containing a white labrys (double-bladed axe)
Lesbianism
A green flag with a black three-armed androgyne–male–female symbol
Transgender
A horizontally striped flag, light blue–crimson–purple, with an asymmetrical white triangle at the hoist containing a gold heart
Polyamory

I urge prospective designers to remember that plain horizontal stripes aren’t the only option. Try out something more original. Consider other emblems which will stand out better and be remembered more readily. Break the mold. You’re striving to represent something important to you: it deserves a strong and distinctive symbol.