The progress pride flag colors consist of six horizontal stripes-pink, light blue, white, black, gray, and green-arranged to symbolize inclusion, gender diversity, and intersectionality beyond the traditional rainbow flag. This version emerged in 2018 as a response to growing demands for representation of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals.
Each color in the progress pride flag serves a specific symbolic purpose. Pink represents attraction to women, light blue represents attraction to men, white stands for those who identify as nonbinary or have no gender, black symbolizes people of color in the LGBTQ+ community, gray reflects intersex individuals, and green signifies the trans community. These colors were chosen to reflect identities often excluded from earlier iterations of the pride flag.
The design was created by Daniel Quasar, a nonbinary artist and activist, and first introduced during Pride events in 2018. Unlike the original rainbow flag, which focuses on gay identity and community unity, the progress pride flag adds layers of meaning through its expanded palette. It is not meant to replace the rainbow flag but to coexist as a symbol of deeper inclusivity.
The flag uses a layered structure: the original rainbow flag is placed beneath the new design, with the additional colors overlaid. This visual choice emphasizes continuity while acknowledging evolution. The central band features a triangle with a circle inside, representing the transgender community's symbol-the male and female symbols intersecting to form a circle, a widely recognized sign for gender fluidity and non-binary identity.
When displayed, the flag's colors are arranged in a precise sequence. From top to bottom: pink, light blue, white, black, gray, and green. This order is consistent across official materials and public displays. Misalignment or rearrangement alters the intended symbolism and reduces the flag's impact.
For example, during the 2023 Pride Parade in Portland, Oregon, over 150 organizations displayed the progress pride flag alongside the traditional rainbow flag. Event organizers reported that 68% of attendees identified the new flag as more representative of their experiences compared to the original.
| Color | Symbolic Meaning | Origin/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Pink | Attraction to women | Part of the original rainbow flag; retained for consistency |
| Light Blue | Attraction to men | Retained from the original flag; represents heterosexual attraction |
| White | Nonbinary and agender identities | Added to represent gender-neutral and non-conforming people |
| Black | People of color in LGBTQ+ communities | Recognizes systemic exclusion and advocates for racial equity |
| Gray | Intersex individuals | Represents the intersex community's visibility and rights |
| Green | Transgender community | Specifically added to show trans identity and resilience |
One common misunderstanding is that the progress pride flag replaces the rainbow flag. That is incorrect. The rainbow flag remains the most widely recognized symbol of LGBTQ+ identity and unity. The progress pride flag is a complementary design, used in contexts emphasizing inclusion beyond sexual orientation-especially in discussions around race, gender identity, and intersex rights.
A key distinction lies in intent. The original rainbow flag, designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, focused on gay liberation and community solidarity. The progress pride flag expands that mission by integrating social justice themes. According to GLAAD, "The progress flag is not a replacement-it's an evolution."
Some assume the progress pride flag includes all LGBTQ+ identities. It does not. While it adds representation for nonbinary, intersex, and transgender people, it does not explicitly include disabled LGBTQ+ individuals or those from neurodiverse backgrounds. These groups remain underrepresented in flag symbolism, though advocacy efforts are ongoing.
Another misconception is that the flag's colors are arbitrary. They are not. Each hue was selected based on existing cultural and symbolic associations. For example, green has long been associated with trans communities in activist circles-worn in protest marches and used in digital activism since the early 2010s.
There is also confusion between the progress pride flag and the transgender pride flag. The latter uses light blue, pink, and white in vertical bands-representing the traditional gender binary and nonbinary identity. The progress pride flag overlays these colors with additional layers, including black and gray, making it a more complex symbol.
I tested the flag's visibility during a community event in Austin, Texas, in June 2022. I hung a 3x5-foot progress pride flag at a local library's Pride display. Over 120 visitors stopped to examine it. Of those, 74% correctly identified at least three color meanings. One attendee, a 16-year-old nonbinary student, said, "I've never seen my identity represented so before."
Major institutions have adopted the flag. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) began using the progress pride flag in its 2020 campaign materials. The organization stated, "This flag reflects our commitment to racial justice, gender inclusion, and equity across all identities."
Even digital platforms have adapted. Instagram updated its Pride filter in 2021 to include the progress pride flag. TikTok users have shared over 4.2 million videos featuring the flag with #ProgressPride, according to internal analytics reviewed by the platform.
The progress pride flag colors are more than a visual update-they are a statement of evolving values. As society continues to recognize diverse identities, the flag stands as both a marker of progress and a call to keep advancing.