What Is the Asexual Pride Flag & What Does It Mean?

A flag waves in the air with a design of horizontal stripes in the colors of the asexual pride flag, from top to bottom: Black, gray, white, and purple

The iconic rainbow flag has become a well-known symbol for LGBTQ+ pride, but did you know that there is a whole catalog of LGBTQ+ Pride flags that represent the diverse identities in this community

Just like someone from a different state or country — or sports fan — might want to fly a specific flag to represent their identity, the same goes for people in the LGBTQ+ community! And it certainly doesn’t need to be Pride Month to embrace these banners.

One of these is the Asexual Pride Flag, which provides asexual community members a meaningful symbol of pride, community, and representation.

Here’s what you need to know about the Asexual Pride Flag.

→ Explore the full list of all LGBTQ+ Pride flags

By the way, we’ve included some links to be able to buy this flag — and some of the links may include affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. 

About the Asexual Pride Flag

History

The Asexual Pride Flag was designed in 2010 by the Asexuality Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) to represent the diverse identities within the asexual community.

Users in AVEN’s online forum first suggested a specific asexual flag in 2009, but it wasn’t until 2010 that users had begun designing flags to be decided on by the community.

The campaign to create the flag spanned a number of online threads and went through three stages of polls. The final poll was also promoted to other ace communities outside of AVEN, including non-English forums.

The final flag was designed by AVEN user standup in 2010, with a simple stripe design that mirrors many other pride flags.

The flag’s four stripes represent a range of asexual experiences, including asexuality, demisexuality, graysexuality, and their connection within the community.

While the black, white, and gray colors represent a spectrum of asexuality, while the purple actually comes from AVEN’s branding — the organization’s website has always prominently featured purple!

However, a blog post from AVEN calls upon a legend that claims a purple amethyst placed in wine can stop someone from getting drunk — which was perhaps a loose metaphor for a lack of interest in sex. 

Colors

horizontal stripes in the colors of the asexual pride flag, from top to bottom: Black, gray, white, and purple

The colors of the Asexual Pride Flag each represent a different concept: 

  • Black: Represents asexuality
  • Gray: Represents graysexuality (people who experience sexual attraction rarely or under specific circumstances)
  • White: Represents demisexuality (people who only experience sexual attraction after forming a deep emotional connection)
  • Purple: Represents the importance of community and solidarity among asexual individuals, as well as AVEN

What Does It Mean To Be Asexual?

Someone who identifies as asexual is someone who does not experience sexual attraction. Occasionally shortened to “ace,” this term can also include folks who are demisexual (someone who experiences some sexual attraction, but only in certain situations).

In a similar vein, aromantic folks are also often connected to ace individuals, as someone who does not experience romantic attraction. 

The Williams Institute estimates that about 1.7% of LGBTQ+ American adults identify as asexual.

Get a Flag: Flags For Good | Amazon

We’ve provided links to Flags For Good, which donates a portion of each Pride flag sale to LGBTQ+ nonprofits and has a fully carbon neutral production and distribution process. Use our links to save 10% off your entire order.

(We’ve also included links to Amazon for accessibility purposes.)

Plus, learn more about other Pride flags:

Article Details

January 4, 2024 1:00 PM
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