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Aromantic Flag Meaning Explained by its Colors

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Among various LGBTQ+ pride flags, the aromantic flag represents those having no romantic attraction towards others. 

Like the lesbian flag and pansexual flag, the aro flag (for short) has multiple designs.

Behind each design are a different visual art and a different creator. However, it bears not much difference in terms of the meaning and some portions of the look. 

Scroll down to learn more!

What’s Being Aromantic?

Being aromantic is generally explained as experiencing little to no desire for romantic relationships. 

The aro status can fall on any level of the “aro spectrum.” One might feel like they can attach themselves to romantic relationships to some extent, while others could never do it.

Like many other identities, aromantics have been misunderstood sometimes. In the bottom section, we’re explaining the five myths around aromanticism.

Now first, let’s dive into the aromantic flag meaning.  


The Aromantic Flag Meaning

Aromantic flags represent those having little interest or no desire for romantic relationships. 

There are three versions of the aro pride flag. We’re looking at each of them and breaking down the meaning by colors.

The oldest aro flag

the oldest aromantic
The oldest version of the aromantic flag

The oldest aro flag was released to the public by National Coalition for Aromantic Visibility in the early 2010s. However, who invented it remains unknown today. 

The flag features three horizontal stripes, from top to bottom, as follows: green, yellow, orange, and black.

  • Green for aromanticism
  • Yellow for friendship
  • Orange for those falling into the gray gap of the aro spectrum
  • Black for romantic individuals who go against the traditional culture of romance

Cameron’s version

first aromantic flag version by cameron
First aromantic flag version by Cameron

This version was created by Cameron Whimsy, retaining the colors green and yellow. However, another stripe of lighter green below the top green, making it a five-striped flag. The two bottom stripes indicate the colors gray and black.

  • Green for the aromantic spectrum
  • Yellow for platonic love
  • Gray & Black for all aromantics regardless of sexual orientation

The official aromantic flag

official aromantic flag
Official aromantic flag

The current Aromantic flag has been the most used version so far.

In 2014, Cameron created it based on just a color change in the middle stripe. The creator replaced yellow with white, which makes the overall shade of the flag more gentle with largely the same meaning.

According to Cameron, this version aims for the aromantic umbrella as a whole. 

  • Green represents aromanticism as always (green is opposite to red, the color of romance)
  • Lighter green represents the aro spectrum
  • White symbolizes aesthetic attraction and non-sexual close friendships
  • Gray represents specifically those in the “gray area” under the aro spectrum, meaning they’re not entirely aromantic
  • Black for all sexual orientations, separate from being aromantic but can happen in every individual within this community.

Myths about Aromanticism

Myth #1 – Aromantics are emotionless to others

Oftentimes, they’ve been considered to be heartless. That is wrong because they are humans with emotional capabilities. It’s just that romance doesn’t work for them in their relationships.

Also, it doesn’t even mean that they can’t build loving relationships. They can form any relationship with their platonic partners without a romantic or sexual attachment.

Myth #2 – Asexuality and Aromanticism are the same things

Although some asexuals might feel their sexuality is linked to their aromanticism, those are two different terms. Being aro is all about romantic orientation, while asexuality is a sexual orientation

So, you could be both or neither. Or you could be one or another. Just don’t bundle everything together!

| More: A Brief History of Asexual Flag

Myth #3 – Being aromantic is just a phase

You’ll soon grow out of it” – heard familiar to you as an aromantic?

While it is true that some people can shift from one identity to another, it is uncommon. Furthermore, they are nearly impossible to reverse completely.

Sexual orientation is an emotional state that has developed in your soul rather than your brain. Most importantly, it is born and develops naturally within each individual.

Myth #4 – Everyone is either completely romantic or vice versa; there’s no in-between

Relativism manifests itself across all gender identities and sexual orientations. 

Many people are unaware of this because they are misled by how labels work. Almost every label has a specific meaning. And this causes many beliefs that what it represents has no variations.

Myth #5 – Aromantic people can’t have a meaningful life because romantic relationships are the most important

First, the point of view in this myth is too subjective. The way you feel about your life and perceive its meaning shouldn’t depend on others’ opinions. 

So, if you’re aromantic, you don’t need romance to fulfill your life. 

Besides, platonic bonds are just as important as any kind of positive relationship. It ultimately depends on what you want to do with your personal life!

Last but not least, you need to know that you can always be enough on your own!


Bottom Line

Pride Month is coming because it’s nearly the end of May. Should you find a need to wave the aromantic flag that represents who you are, just do it! 

Whether you’re at a parade, an LGBTQ+ club, or at home, it’s beautiful that you celebrate it.

Thanks for reading!

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