The iconic rainbow flag has become a well-known symbol for LGBTQ+ pride, but did you know that there is a whole catalog of LGBTQ+ Pride flags that represent the diverse identities in this community?
Just like someone from a different state or country — or sports fan — might want to fly a specific flag to represent their identity, the same goes for people in the LGBTQ+ community! And it certainly doesn’t need to be Pride Month to embrace these banners.
Flags are a recognizable symbol that projects a message to the world about who you are or what you stand for — and they are especially important to marginalized communities during times of injustice.
One of these is the Transgender Pride Flag, which provides trans folks a meaningful symbol of pride, love, and community — especially as the fight for their freedom continues.
Here’s what you need to know about the Transgender Pride Flag.
→ Explore the full list of all LGBTQ+ Pride flags
By the way, we’ve included some links to be able to buy this flag — and some of the links may include affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
About the Transgender Pride Flag
History
Created by trans woman Monica Helms in 1999, the Transgender Pride Flag was designed to provide the transgender community with a distinct symbol to represent and celebrate their unique identities within the LGBTQ+ community.
Helms is a trans activist and U.S. Navy veteran who grew up in Arizona. She’s also the co-founder of the Transgender American Veterans Association.
She debuted the flag at a Pride Month event in Phoenix in 2000 and in 2014, donated the original to the Smithsonian National Museum to memorialize the flag as a piece of LGBTQ+ — and American — history.
However, Helms didn’t realize it would become such a meaningful pillar to the community.
“This was for me and if nobody had embraced it, it still would have been OK for me,” she told the Daily Beast in 2017. “But then, people started seeing it and they thought the pattern was great, and they liked the reason for the colors, and it just took off.”
The flag’s five stripes include the traditional colors for baby boys and girls, while the central white stripe acknowledges those who are transitioning, nonbinary, or identify outside the gender binary.
Colors
The colors of the Transgender Pride Flag each represent a different concept:
- Light Blue: Represents the traditional color for baby boys, symbolizing trans men and boys
- Light Pink: Represents the traditional color for baby girls, symbolizing trans women and girls
- White: Represents those who are transitioning, nonbinary, or identify outside the gender binary
What Does It Mean To Be Transgender?
“Transgender” is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity or gender expression differs from the gender they were assigned at birth.
There are lots of terms that might be used under this umbrella, including “nonbinary,” “gender-nonconforming,” or others.
According to a 2022 Pew Research Center study, 1.6% of adults in the U.S. identify as transgender or nonbinary, and 5% of young adults in the U.S. say their gender is different from their sex assigned at birth.
It’s important to note that trans people have a wide array of different experiences. Some trans folks may physically transition with the help of gender-affirming care like hormones or procedures to bring their body to better alignment with their gender identity. However, not all trans people can or will pursue those options, and they’re still trans!
A transgender identity is not defined by physical appearance or medical procedures, and folks are valid in whichever ways they choose to express their identities.
How Can I Be an Ally To Trans Folks?
While waving a Transgender Pride Flag is a great symbol to show your support and solidarity with the trans community, there are other ways to make sure trans folks feel safe, affirmed, and protected.
These include things like:
- Fighting against anti-trans legislation
- Advocating for legislation that protects trans folks
- Speaking truth to disinformation and misconceptions
- Donating your time and money to organizations that help trans folks
- And more!
Learn more about being a trans ally.
Get a Flag: Flags For Good | Amazon
We’ve provided links to Flags For Good, which donates a portion of each Pride flag sale to LGBTQ+ nonprofits and has a fully carbon neutral production and distribution process. Use our links to save 10% off your entire order.
(We’ve also included links to Amazon for accessibility purposes.)
Plus, learn more about other Pride flags:
- All LGBTQ+ Pride Flags & Their Meanings
- Agender Pride Flag
- Androgyne Pride Flag
- Aromantic Pride Flag
- Asexual Pride Flag
- Bisexual Pride Flag
- Demigender Pride Flag
- Demisexual Pride Flag
- Drag Pride Flag
- Gay Men’s Pride Flag
- Genderfluid Pride Flag
- Genderqueer Pride Flag
- Gilbert Baker Pride Flag
- Intersex Pride Flag
- Lesbian Pride Flag
- Nonbinary Pride Flag
- Pansexual Pride Flag
- Philadelphia Pride Flag
- Polysexual Pride Flag
- Progress Pride Flag
- Queer Pride Flag
- Rainbow Pride Flag
- Transgender Pride Flag
- Two-Spirit Pride Flag
- … and read more LGBTQ+ good news
