The trans flag, also known as the transgender pride flag. It represents individuals who feel that their biological sex does not match their gender identity.
It features two horizontal stripes of light pink, two of light blue, and one of white in the center.
While the origin of these colors has been debated, the accepted meaning of them remains the same.
But why these colors? What is the story behind the flag?
Read on to explore more!
The Trans Flag History
Who Created It?
Monica Helms created the trans flag in 1999.
Helms served in the Navy for eight years, serving on two submarines. She is also a transgender woman, having begun her transition in 1997 when she was in her thirties.
Three years later, she became a trans activist in Arizona and Georgia.
As a transgender activist who had previously served in the military, she founded the TAVA (Transgender American Veterans Association) in 2003 and served as the organization’s president until 2013.
What Is The Story Behind?
Talking to the MOTHA (The Museum of Transgender History and Art), Helms said the idea of the trans pride flag had suddenly come to her mind.
One day she woke up, and the vision of a rectangle flag with pink, white and blue jumped in her mind unpredictably. It was like a thunderbolt which is full of surprise.
Though, she also said it had been the bi flag that inspired her to make one for the trans.
When Helms knew what it should look like, she contacted the Freedom Flag & Banner company to manufacture it. A couple of weeks after her deliberations on some swatches, she finally received the first flag for the transgender community.
Colors Explained
Although Helms effortlessly came up with the design, these colors have meanings that just make sense. According to her:
- Blue is the traditional color for baby boys.
- Respectively, pink is for baby girls.
- White is for everyone else that has a non-defining or neutral gender. It also represents those not feeling that they do not fit in either gender binary spectrum.
The pansexual flag colors have similar meanings, but pansexuality is based on sexuality, while transgender is based on gender identity. Those are two different terms, so don’t mistaken them!
How Has It Been Used Popularly Over The Past Years?
Unlike many other LGBT flags that came to the public online, Helms’ was introduced in a local LGBT magazine for the first time. Quickly then, many trans individuals noticed it and felt connected to it.
Nonetheless, the first time it was seen in public for a significant event was when Helms brought it to the Arizona Pride Parade in 2000.
In the interview with Chris Vargas, she said that it took, however, about ten years for it to become commonly used. During the time, she came to several places across the country to introduce and explain what she had created.
Finally, the pink-white-and-blue has become a signal for transgender people during every Pride parade in the country and worldwide.
Also, like the Helms’ words, it was amazing for her to see a 20×30 foot trans flag raised on the Castro district flagpole. It means a lot also because they displayed it on the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Today's Meaning Of The Trans Pride Flag
The pink, white and blue colors have multiple meanings.
The white stripe represents people who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender bigotry or hatred. It’s also a reminder of those who are forced into survival sex work to get by due to discrimination – both in finding stable employment as well as acceptance from family.
One reason behind using white is that many transgender people feel they don’t always fit in. In other words, they were assigned one gender at birth but didn’t identify with said gender. Worse, they often feel forced to identify with another one.
Choosing blue, transgender people hope others will understand their gender better without trying too hard. Many feel blue represents a mix between masculinity and femininity as well.
Regarding the pink color, some individuals say it has to do with HIV awareness among the community.
Despite many interpretations, the trans pride flag is undoubtedly a voice of rights for these people.
If you are a trans ally, make sure to know the meaning and history of its colors. That will help you understand more about the things that build up this gender identity.
Last but not least, you surely know what to bring to the next Pride Parade to support the trans people you love.
Where To Buy Trans Flags
It’s everywhere, whether you’re looking online or at your local craft store. Even so, buying online will save you time. You also have the opportunity to hear reviews from many customers who have purchased it.
Also, suppose you’re looking for something playful and unique but still retain the spirit of the original trans pride flag.
Bottom Line
Monica Helms successfully conveyed the message and emphasized the presence of the transgender community by using the colors of the trans flag.
The month of Pride is approaching. So, if you identify as trans or support trans people, fly the pastel pink-white-and-blue flag in parades or at home!
Together we can make a difference for this community!
I have dedicated my career to unraveling the captivating stories behind these symbolic emblems. With a deep fascination for history, culture, and symbolism, I explore the stories behind each flag, weaving together narratives that celebrate their uniqueness and global significance. Join me on this enthralling journey to uncover the mysteries and intricacies of flags from around the world.