Honouring Pride: Understanding the Intersex Inclusive Flag

Submitted by Pride Planning Committee 

This year’s Pride Month is the 10-year anniversary of the first time a Pride Flag was raised on Parliament Hill in recognition of Pride. Throughout Pride Month (and the rest of the year) you are likely to see several variations of Pride flags. These flags range on the unique identities and lived experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. One flag, you may see commonly is the Intersex Inclusive Pride Flag, designed in 2021 by activist Valentino Vecchietti. This updated flag builds on the Progress Pride flag designed by Daniel Quasar that sought representation of Transgender, Non-binary, and BIPoC folks. The Intersex Inclusive Pride flag adds representation for Intersex individuals.  
  
Each colour carries an intentional meaning, see below the Intersex Inclusive Pride Flag and the story of each stripe.  

Red – Life  
The red stripe symbolizes life, the most fundamental and powerful force. It also represents passion, love and the energy that drives meaningful change.  

Orange – Healing  
Orange stands for healing and recovery, a nod to the strength it takes to overcome adversity. It also reflects warmth, support and the restorative power of joy and community.  

Yellow – Sunlight  
Yellow represents sunlight, evoking optimism, hope and clarity. As the brightest colour on the flag, it serves as a symbol of positivity and enlightenment.  

Green – Nature  
Green signifies nature and growth, reminding us of our connection to the earth and to one another. It reflects renewal, balance and the natural cycles of healing and transformation.  

Indigo (Blue) – Serenity  
Blue stands for serenity and peace, values that are essential to creating safe, affirming spaces. It symbolizes mental well-being, emotional depth and the calm that comes from being seen and accepted.  

Violet (Purple) – Spirit  
Purple represents spirit, acknowledging the inner strength and dignity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. It is also linked to creativity, pride and the powerful connection between identity and authenticity.  

Arrow shape: Emphasizes progress and the need for continued action on the inclusion for all queer folks, especially trans and QTBIPoC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous Persons of Colour).  

Pink, Baby blue, and white: Represents Transgender and non-binary people  

Black and Brown: represents people of colour and the HIV/AIDS Community  

Black Stripe: also represents those living with and those who have been lost to HIV/AIDS  

Purple circle on yellow background: Offers representation for represents wholeness, completeness, and intersex people’s potentialities 

Eagle Feathers: embodies the cultural heritage and identity of Two-Spirit individuals  
  
You can learn about the many other Pride flags you may see throughout Pride Month by visiting this fantastic Pride Flags resource put together by the Equity & Inclusion Office at The University of British Columbia.