The problem with the new pride flag (and a possible solution).
In the latest in a series of redesigns, the pride flag has been updated to include parts of the Intersex Flag. But the problem is it’s now in danger of becoming un-inclusive by not including everyone. From a design point of view it’s become cluttered and it goes against what good flag design should be, simple.
But I do propose a fix. A fix that is inclusive of minority groups whilst retaining the spirit and meaning of the original flag.
But first a history lesson…
The 8 colour rainbow flag.
The first use of the rainbow flag was in 1978 and was flown in San Francisco on ‘Gay Freedom Day’. It was an 8 colour flag that represented sex, life, healing, sun, nature, magic, serenity and spirit. It is thought that Harvey Milk commissioned the symbol from Gilbert Baker as a way to unify the community as they marched for their rights.
The 6 colour rainbow flag.
In 1979 the flag was modified to remove the hot pink due to a lack in supply of that colour and as a way to simplify the symbol for mass usage across the city. The 6 colour version of the flag has endured to this day and is used around the world during pride month.
The meaning of the rainbow flag.
Whilst the original meaning of the flag assigned energy attributes to each of the eight colours, many view the six colour rainbow flag as representing the full spectrum of sexuality and gender. As light refracts it splits to form a rainbow which is the full spectrum of visible colour and therefore is the perfect symbol of inclusion for the community.
The six colour rainbow flag has endured as a symbol of diversity and inclusion without change until recently.
Philadelphia’s People of Colour Inclusive Flag.
In 2017 ‘More Color More Pride’, a community group in Philadelphia, added two extra stripes of black and brown to the flag to represent people of colour and the unique challenges they face in the community.
The Progress Pride Flag.
In 2018 and in response to Philadelphia’s People of Colour Inclusive Flag, designer Daniel Quasar created a new version of the flag that included chevrons of pink, blue and white to be more inclusive of the trans community.
The Intersex-inclusive Pride flag.
And now in 2021, designer Valentino Vecchietti has added a yellow triangle and a purple circle to be more inclusive of the intersex community.
LGBTQQIP2SAA
The rainbow acronym itself represents diversity in sexuality and gender and includes: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit (2S), androgynous and asexual. Each of these groups has its own flag and when you dig a little deeper there are even more categories like agender and non-binary.
And herein lies the problem.
By including trans and intersex into the pride flag it’s actually become un-inclusive of other marginal groups within the community. What happens when we try and include agendered and non-binary?
A possible solution.
My solution is to recognise the original intention of the rainbow flag as a symbol of inclusion whilst giving groups a way to customise the flag for their community. In my revised design the rainbow flag always forms the background because it symbolises inclusion. The inner circle is a space that’s specific to the community and can be customised. The background flag can flex to the type of rainbow that’s most appropriate to that community, be that the 6 colour one shown here or one of the 8 colour variants.
Looking to the future.
Gilbert Baker was himself a keen advocate of revisions to the rainbow flag. Hopefully this new design will spark some commentary and together we can make symbols that help galvanise communities and spark change for people around the world.
