The Meaning Behind The Pride Flag Colors
Photo: New York Public Library, Saul Bromberger, Sandra Hoover, Anthony Friedkin, Courtesy of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Matt McClain/The Washington Post
Happy Pride Month! As we celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s also a time to look back at the history of the gay rights movement. And that includes reflecting on the emblam that has come to define a marginalized group and a movement for equality: the Pride flag. We now see this flag flown all over the world, emblazoned on merchandise, and proudly waving at Pride celebrations. But it’s much more than just a rainbow flag. Each color represents something specific and unique, just like the people in the LGBTQIA+ community. So let’s take a closer look at the symbolism behind the symbol, and learn the the meaning behind all the Pride flag colors.
The original pride flag was created in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, and first flew at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. Since then, it has gone through a number of variations to reflect the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. In 2017, the city of Philadelphia added a black and brown stripe to the flag, and a year later, designer Daniel Quasar introduced the Progress Pride Flag with a triangular portion and the addition of light blue and pink stripes, which has been adopted as the most inclusive and commonly used flag.
But what do all the Pride flag colors actually represent? Let’s find out.
Photo: New York Public Library
PRIDE FLAG COLORS
RED
On the Pride Flag, RED represents LIFE. Red is also a color that portrays energy, vitality, prosperity, and passion. It’s also the color associated with AIDS awareness and is symbolized with a red ribbon.
Photo: New York Public Library
PRIDE FLAG COLORS
ORANGE
On the Pride Flag, ORANGE represents HEALING. Orange is also the color of vibrancy, change, creativity, and health.
Photo: New York Public Library
PRIDE FLAG COLORS
YELLOW
On the Pride Flag, YELLOW represents SUNLIGHT. Yellow is bright, hopeful, happy, and cheerful as well.
Photo: New York Public Library
PRIDE FLAG COLORS
GREEN
On the Pride Flag, GREEN represents NATURE. This earthy shade can also represent new beginnings and growth. It also signifies renewal, abundance, and harmony.
PRIDE FLAG COLORS
BLUE
On the Pride Flag, BLUE represents SERENITY. Blue is used extensively to represent calmness, responsibility, and friendliness. It also evokes more strength, reliability, peace, and spirituality.
PRIDE FLAG COLORS
PURPLE
On the Pride Flag, PURPLE represents SPIRIT. Purple is a regal color that also represents neutrality, creativity, and imagination.
PRIDE FLAG COLORS
BROWN & BLACK
On the pride flag, BROWN & BLACK represent PEOPLE OF COLOR. This addition was an important step to recognize POC, who have been a vital part of the LGBTQIA+ movement but have often been left out of the narrative.
Photo: New York Public Library
PRIDE FLAG COLORS
PINK, LIGHT BLUE & WHITE
On the pride flag, PINK, LIGHT BLUE & WHITE represent THE TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY. These colors also have specific meanings: Pink is for feminity, light blue is for masculinity and white is for people who are transitioning, non-binary or gender-neutral.
Learn even more about the history of Pride in our post: Pride Began With A Protest: How Gay Rights Are Connected To Black Lives Matter
