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

A flag representing the Intersex community waves. It is yellow with a purple circle in the center.

Most of us don’t need to go too far to find a rainbow Pride flag (start with your emoji keyboard!), but did you know that there are other Pride flags that represent other identities in the LGBTQ+ community, too? 

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.

Flags are a recognizable symbol that projects a message to the world about who you are or what you stand for — and they are especially important to marginalized communities during times of injustice. 

One of these is the Intersex Pride Flag, which flies as a symbol of solidarity and community for intersex folks everywhere.

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

History

The Intersex Pride Flag was designed by Morgan Carpenter of Intersex Human Rights Australia in 2013. The goal was to create a unique symbol for the intersex community that was not based on traditional gender symbols (like the venus symbol or specifically gendered colors). 

The flag features a purple circle on a yellow background, representing wholeness and inclusivity, as well as the unique and diverse experiences of intersex individuals. 

“There is no commonly understood symbol or flag, even within intersex communities. Many attempts have seemed derivative, of a rainbow flag, of gender stereotypes, gendered pink and blue colors, of transgender symbols, or an infinity symbol used by some bisexual groups,” Carpenter wrote about the design

“This is one attempt to create something that is not derivative, but yet is firmly grounded in meaning.”

Intersex folks around the globe are still fighting for bodily autonomy and genital integrity, which makes flag’s the symbol of wholeness and resilience that much more powerful.

The Intersex Pride Flag serves as a strong reminder of the importance of visibility, recognition, and advocacy for the intersex community, emphasizing their resilience and ongoing fight for bodily autonomy and human rights.

Colors

A yellow background with  purple circle in the center represents the Intersex Pride Flag

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

  • Yellow: Represents visibility and the need for recognition of the intersex community
  • Purple Circle: Symbolizes wholeness, inclusivity, and the diverse experiences of intersex individuals

What Does It Mean To Be Intersex?

People who are intersex are born with any of several sex characteristics that do not fit within the binary notions of male or female bodies. 

These characteristics can include reproductive or sexual anatomy and/or a chromosome pattern that cannot be classified as “male” or “female.” 

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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