Artigenda

The Flags of the Rainbow – Subcultures and more

The fourth part of the Flags of the Rain arc focuses on subcultures and more. Like the previous three volumes, lots of flags, but with the clear statement that not all flags are covered.

This fourth part of the article previously appeared on the website of De Goede Huisvader. Back then, instead of a series it was an article. Artigenda decided to make this a series and make adjustments where necessary. Data were also updated.

What are subcultures?

In this case, it is about subcultures within the LGBTQIA+ community. These are small or large(er) groups within the community, worldwide. Some of these groups are better known than others. In certain ones, they have their flags. If so, these are both subcultures based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

More?

More in this case means the gender identities that are mostly not given a place in other surveys. These include MOGAI, Pocket Gender and xenogender. What are these?

No distinction

As also applies to the other parts of this series, no distinction is made. If an order is concerned, it does not reflect a degree of importance. If a flag or section is not included or no longer included, this does not necessarily imply that this topic is not important (enough).

MOGAI

In full, the abbreviation MOGAI stands for Marginalised Orientations, Gender Alignments, and Intersex and the term originated in 2014. According to some, the term and thus the definition is an alternative to existing abbreviations, such as the English-language abbreviation LGBTQIA+ or the Dutch-language alternatives. On the contrary, others believe that it complements the existing abbreviation and is thus a part of it. So that makes MOGAI part of the + (plus).

There’s criticism when it comes down to MOGAI and the views/approach. Whether it is an alternative to the existing abbreviation or whether it complements it. This has to do with how gender identity is handled. In addition, there is Pocket Gender.

Origins

Tumblr user taodefensesquad (then okaysional) was responsible for coining GSM in 2013. Only an archived version of the post from December 13, December 2013 is still available. GSM stands for Gender/Sexuality Minority. This did not satisfy everyone, as the term evolved into Marginalised Gender/Sexuality (MGS). Again later, this would evolve into MOGA, Marginalised Orientation and Gender Alignment. More on that via this link. By now, it was 2014. Then, between February 21 and March 16, 2014, there was further reflection on the subject before MOGAI was presented. First, MORSGA and then MORSGAI were presented, as can be read in message of February 21, 2014. Then, on March 16, 2014, the term MOGAI was presented via Tumblr. With that, MOGAI thus dates back to 2014.

Mogai Pride Flag

A flag of its own has been developed for MOGAI. It was presented on October 7, 2015, by Tumblr user Fancyblogurl. Unfortunately, the URL mentioned via the page on this topic on the website via Devian Art was never indexed by The Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine. Therefore, details of this flag are missing. Thus, it is not known what the motives were for making this flag. Thus, the meaning of the flag is not known.

More alternative names

So there is a possibility that MOGAI could be there as an alternative to abbreviations/abbreviations for the LGBTQIA+ community. That alone does not get us there, as more options have been proposed. There are more equivalent abbreviations, of which the following are the best known:

Gae

Alternative spelling: gæ.

This term is an alternative for anyone who is not cisgender heterosexual or is an ally. There is a great similarity with queer, but that category does not include cisgender heterosexual persons (cishet).

The Gae Pride Flag was presented on 27 October 2020 by a person described by LGBTQIA+ Wiki as Shawn. An alternative flag is described on this same page. It was a flag presented on December 5, 2020, by Squirrelstar.

On this flag, colours are incorporated, located between two black stripes. Those black stripes have no further meaning. The colours blue, pink and yellow do have a meaning. These colours represent masculine (blue), feminine (pink), and non-binary (white). In addition, the Pride flag is incorporated into this flag.

This second flag also incorporates a Pride flag (in the star), complemented by a white stripe/stripe. That stripe represents openness and freedom. The other colours stand for:

GLOW

GLOW means Gay, Lesbian Or Whatever. Like MOGAI, it is an alternative to the abbreviation LGBT+ and this abbreviation is also not considered universally accepted.

Meaning GLOW Pride Flag

The GLOW Pride Flag was presented in 2017 via Devian Art. It referenced a now-deactivated Tumblr account of lgbtrainbowdolls. Admittedly only in text. The message from the Pride-Flags account via Tumblr can be found here. No archived version was made of the lgbtrainbowdolls account by The Internet Archive.

The colours on the flag are a reference to the neon colours in glowsticks there is no further meaning known of the flag.

GSRM

GSRM, Gender, Sexual and Romantic Minorities, is also referred to as GSRD, Gender, Sexual and Romantic Diversity. The abbreviation aims to avoid using the existing abbreviations for the various identities and/or sexual orientations, thus suggesting a certain degree of importance. There is something to be said for that, of course. Although you could argue that the + is there in the abbreviation for a reason.

GSRM Pride Flag

Meaning GSRM Pride Flag

The flag consists of several coloured strips and each has a separate meaning. So does the large, dark grey area on the right side of the flag.

Pink: sexuality
Red: gender
Orange: love
Yellow: body
Green: presentation
Light blue: identity
Dark blue: birth
Paars: geest(kracht)
Light grey: solidarity
Grey: justice

LGBT+

The abbreviation LGBT+ is an abbreviation that has been around since the 1990s. It is the abbreviation without the letters Q, I and A. It was the first adaptation of the reference to the community after it was often referred to by the abbreviation LGB. Today, that abbreviation is used by opponents of the recognition of non-binary and transgender people. The abbreviation was later modified with other letters. Other variations also emerged.

Flag

The flag belonging to LGBT+ is the flag adapted by Gilbert Baker in 1979.

M.O.V.I.N.G - H.E.A.R.T.S.

Of all the proposed abbreviations, M.O.V.I.N.G – H.E.A.R.T.S. is the longest of all and it stands for multisexual/multiromantic, outherine, variant, intersex, non-binary and gender non-conforming – homosexual/homoromantic, exclusive genders, a-spec/agender/anonbinary, relationship variant, transgender and other identities.

Meaning of the M.O.V.I.N.G - H.E.A.R.T.S. Pride Flag

The M.O.V.I.N.G – H.E.A.R.T.S. Pride Flag was presented via the website LGBTQIA+ Wiki by user Cryptocrew. That was on January 28, 2021. That flag is a somewhat complicated flag when it comes to explaining it. That has everything to do with what is visible on the flag. The flag’s creator chose to pay as much attention as possible to all the identities (in the background).

QANSTIVEM

The acronym QANSTIVEM aims to keep as many people happy as possible, as the acronym includes the terms: queer/questioning, a-specagen-spec and amplus-spec, non-binary and non-conforming, similar gender attraction, transgender+, intersex, varionated, ethical non-monogamy/exclusive identities, multi-spec/multigender.

QUASMINT

Like QANSTIVEM, QUASMINT is a listing of the letters that stand for different gender identities and sexual orientations. These include:

These are designations that are not or not always common or equally prevalent.

QUILTBAG

QUILTBAG is familiar to fans of Alice Oseman and Heartstopper, as you can read in this post from 2022 on Reddit. An explanation of the name can be found on this page. Yet it was not Oseman who was responsible for the term. That was in the article “Final Call: Kate Bornstein” by Sadie Lee. This article appeared in the October edition of Diva Magazine. By the way, this article was about Kate Bornstein. You can read more about Kate Bornstein in this article from The Queer Review.

QueerVexillology presented the Quiltbag Pride Flag on Reddit on August 12, 2020.

SAGA

The acronym SAGA is not just a substitute for the abbreviations LGBTQIA+, LGBT+ or equivalent abbreviations. It is also an alternative to the GSA. That abbreviation stands for Gay-Straight-Alliance. In addition, SAGA is an alternative to QSA, the Queer-Straight-Alliance. To a lesser extent, the abbreviation is used as an alternative to LGBTQIA+ or equivalent abbreviations.

Sexuality And Gender Acceptance And Gender Alliance and Gender Awareness or Sexuality And gender Association is something you might start to think about when it comes to the forming of communities at schools or universities. Where students start to work together. Or they start projects to raise awareness. Well, that’s what SAGA is. It’s also an attempt to come up with a new name for the community as a whole. It doesn’t seem logical though. Why should that name be the same as the name for collaborative projects? On the other hand, there is a connection to a group, i.e. to an alliance. So alliance is another word for community you might say. It is just not often that this abbreviation is used for the entire LGBTQIA+ community. It is also not common for SAGA to be used. More often, the abbreviations GSA or QSA are used for the partnerships.

Meaning of the SAGA Pride Flag

The meaning of the SAGA Pride Flag is not known. It is also not known exactly when the flag was designed and who was responsible for the design. The flag was published on September 1, 2019 by Beyond MOGAI Pride Flags’ Tumblr account. This does not mean that this was also the publication date.

MOGAI as an addition

In addition to the alternatives to abbreviations discussed for the LGBTQIA+ community, there is another option. This assumes that MOGAI is a collection of gender identities that are not common or not widely known. This is not to say, by the way, that these are “less” or less important.

The difference between Pocket Gender and MOGAI is that Pocket Gender assumes an identity that is part of both MOGAI and Pocket Gender. It is then about xenogender. It is precisely this that provides the necessary criticism.

More information about MOGAI

Position of MOGAI and criticism

With “only” MOGAI and listing it, we are not there. Not even when it comes to the alternatives. There is something wrong with that abbreviation. MOGAI, according to some, is precisely not a replacement for something that already exists, but a complement. It encompasses gender identities or identities that are not very well known or, others think, that can be traced back mainly to the online world. It should be noted, incidentally, that this is no guarantee that these identities have not been adequately considered. Opponents sometimes accuse those in question of all this injustice or detriment to the LGBTQIA+ community. That the MOGAI identities are there just to draw attention, for example, or because people are looking for a certain uniqueness.

With all this also comes a danger. This also applies to Pride flags created and presented via Tumblr and Devian Art. Let’s be clear, when provided with good substantiation, there need be nothing wrong with that. It becomes a different story when the substantiation is no longer relevant. When the substantiation has changed. Only isn’t that the same for the creator of a particular flag presented via the offline world? Take the Lesbian flag or the Gay Men Flag.

The difference between the offline world and the online world is that there is a real chance there is such a thing as management or manageability of what is presented. A Tumblr user can decide at any time that “enough” is enough and a flag is no longer relevant. Or because the user in question no longer feels a certain way, an account has been deactivated or for whatever reason. Without there having been any particular acceptance. In addition, there is a chance of presenting something that is already there. The latter is the most common criticism. Does one look properly? Does one read properly? This is often offset by the fact that the people in question did. In some cases, the flags do come with an explanation. A large number of flags that were widely accepted and do not fall under the MOGAI category are still in use.

There is a real danger of something being lost when certain decisions are made. So when certain decisions are made online. Lily Alexandre made the video Millions of Dead Genders: A MOGAI Retrospective, which is very instructive in this case.

Pocket Gender

Besides MOGAI and the other abbreviations/definitions, there is another concept that should be discussed and that is the concept of Pocket Gender or Pocket Genders. This is a group of gender identities identified by a small(er) group of individuals, not known to all. The question is whether Pocket Genders are not another designation for MOGAI or not. What makes it different is that Pocket Gender mainly “leans” on xenogender identities.

The Pocket Gender Pride Flag was presented by Alex Stowe on May 25, 2016, via the website Gender Wiki. The flag was then presented in December on Devian Art.

Criticism

Pocket Gender has also been criticised. These mainly focus on xenogender identities. So what makes this different from MOGAI? Pocket Gender “leans” more on the less-known identities. However, Pocket Gender relates more to the xenogender identities. Like MOGAI, Pocket Gender has its flag and its history.

Origins of Pocket Gender

The term Pocket Gender was introduced on 21 April 2015 via the website Gender Fandom.

Meaning of the Pocket Gender Pride Flag

The Pocket Gender Pride Flag consists of the colours purple (light and dark), blue, black and orange and the flag has the following meaning:

Light purple triangle: femininity.
Dark purple triangle: a combination of the binary gender and the genderless.
Blue triangle: masculinity.
Black triangle: a combination of genders or genderlessness.
Orange diamond shape: Maverique, a non-binary group.

More about Pocket Gender

Xenogender

Providing the term xenogender with a definition is sometimes not easy. A definition where this identity establishes relationships with non-common things that are the subject of that identity does not make this description a positive one. On the other hand, certain ideas exist about the definition or interpretation of the identity without looking at the term. In addition, xenogender as gender identity is not accepted as “full” by everyone. Not even within the LGBTQIA+ community.

History of xenogender

The word xenogender contains xeno and that need not be anything strange or detrimental. The English word xenophilia has nothing to do with it. This is the opposite of xenophobia, fear of foreigners. Xenophilia can also be a sexual preference for another race. In addition, only the mention of xeno can be a reference to something else. Only to something coming from “outside”. The word xenos is the same as stranger in Ancient Greek. The English word for stranger is alien and that word played an important role in 2014. That was the year when user baaphomett shared thoughts on various identities, including xenogender, via Tumblr on 24 June.

"xenogender: a gender that cannot be contained by human understandings of gender; more concerned with crafting other methods of gender categorization and hierarchy such as those relating to animals, plants, or other creatures/things"

Baaphomett via Tumblr

Not all the claims on the page are attributable to Baaphomett, as these identities pregender and postgender were not coined by Baaphomett.

What's it all about?

It is not about someone making identification by fire (firegender) and then being allowed to compare that person to fire in its most literal form. It is about the way fire “moves.” Or “behaves.” Better put a constant state of change. Indeed, there may also be identities part, which are not understood by everyone. In addition, there is a difference between how a person identifies and how a person acts. In certain cases, there need not be a change of (gender) identity or an embrace of (gender) identity. Nevertheless, there may be a particular behaviour or conduct that has a major impact on the person in question and that person’s living environment. This is not to say that xenogender is a kind of dress-up or comparable to this kind of practice. Conversely, the same applies.

Rightly part of the community?

The presence of xenogender as part of the LGBTQIA+ community has been criticised. Mainly because of the “incomprehensible.” This does not only apply to xenogender, by the way. It also applies to polyamory. Unlike polyamory, xenogender does belong within the LHBTI+ community for the following reasons. Xenogender breaks with the binary gender spectrum. It transcends common notions of gender identity and there is a lot of misunderstanding. It will take a lot to build understanding. Some of that will have to come from the community itself, though. With good and reasoned reasoning and without that which Lily Alexandre made Millions of Dead Genders: A MOGAI Retrospective about in 2021.

There is not only criticism of xenogender identities. This is actually true of MOGAI and Pocket Gender. Susan Driver described these identities as neo-identities in 2016. Those with these identities, not just xenogender identities, in other words, may face adverse consequences when they make known that there is that “deviant” identity. One faces more than just questions. Criticism and ridicule are the result. There is a difference between questions and blunt criticism. Where in the latter case, insults are not avoided. Remarkably, references to Tumblr are often made in this regard. Striking, because in other cases no questions were asked. In other cases, no questions were asked when, for instance, flags were presented on Tumblr, with or without (solid) substantiation.

Transphobia?

The question is whether there is transphobia when it comes to xenogender identities. According to certain people, this is the case because xenogender is more about aesthetics. Aesthetics, it is thought, has nothing to do with gender identity. There are therefore heated discussions taking place via social media about whether xenogender would not actually be a form of transphobia or not.

When transgender people are deliberately attacked because of gender identity, transphobia occurs. Deliberately addressing a trans man with an incorrect gender identity is a clear form of transphobia. This also applies to trans women. So what about this with individuals who identify differently, i.e. within the xenogender spectrum? It depends on how this takes place. If that person or persons explicitly harm transgender persons or persons within the LGBTQIA+ community, then this is downright bad. If there is an incorrect, illogical or unjustified claim of (gender) identity, then so too. This just doesn’t always have to be the case. It can occur, hence sometimes the vehement criticism. Which comes from the corner of transgender persons. What does not help here is the way the xenogender community itself deals and deals with the transgender community and their struggle for emancipation. In fact, from within the xenogender community, some persons indicated that they had little sympathy for the struggle for emancipation.

Another accusation made is that individuals from the xenogender community are making a run for common gender identities. This need not be the case at all. There may be an explanation for this and it may be traced back to the platform used to present these identities and their associated symbols, such as flags. That is the platform Tumblr. Again, the platform should not matter, because, for many other expressions or contributions, this platform is used to spread certain messages or certain announcements. For example, when a new Pride flag is introduced.

The Xenogender Pride Flag was presented by Pastelmemer on January 15, 2017. The description accompanying this flag gives a good description of the xenogender identity:

"A nonbinary gender identity that cannot be contained by human understandings of gender; more concerned with crafting other methods of gender categorization and hierarchy such as those relating to animals, plants, or other creatures/things. It’s mainly an umbrella term for genders with themes such as nouns, archetypes, synesthetic experiences."

Pastelmemer via Devian Art.

Meaning of the Xenogender Pride Flag

Pastelmemer gave the following definition of the Xenogender Pride Flag:

"Central symbol is the astronomical sign for the asteroid Iris, named after the deity with the same name, which is associated with rainbows. Colours chosen are various common shades present in iris flowers. The central stripe is yellow, as yellow is a common nonbinary colour- and, as opposed to purple, which usually stands for androgynous nonbinary genders with some combination of male and female identities (hence red/blue mixed), yellow is often used to symbolise genders which have nothing to do with the binary in any way- including xenogenders."

Pastelmemer via Devian Art.

More about Xenogender

Better-known subcultures

Reading the previous section, one could draw the conclusion that there is the degree of importance, where the first section would (therefore) be more important. This is not the case. This section was discussed first, because of its complexity. The title of the section Known subcultures also does not assume a degree of importance, because it involves familiarity. Moreover, it involves familiarity, which can be subjective. What is familiar to one may not necessarily be familiar to another.

As with many other overviews in this series, this overview is not complete. No measure of importance or value is used in this overview.

Bear Flag/Bear Brotherhood Flag

This flag is also known as the (International) Bear Brotherhood Flag. The flag represents the international subculture of male bears. This is a subculture within the LGBT+ community. The flag was designed by Craig Byrnes in 1995, making it one of the oldest Pride flags in existence.

What are Bears?

Bears form a distinct culture (subculture) within the gay scene. They are men who conform to certain body characteristics.

Meaning of Bear Flag

The flag consists of the colours brown, orange, yellow, light yellow, white, grey and black. Those colours feature the imprint of a bear’s paw. Unlike most other Pride flags, there are no specific meanings attached to the different colours. This is a representation of the fur of bears (animals) worldwide. So it is not about what some people think, the skin colour of members of the bear community worldwide.

More about the Bear Pride Flag

BDSM Pride Flag

The BDSM Pride Flag is not necessarily tied to the LGBTQIA+ community. The flag also applies to individuals who are not connected to this community. However, the flag is often mentioned in relation to the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition, the flag is often included in standard lists. Hence, this flag also appears in this list. Only, it is not entirely pure to include the BDSM Pride Flag, thereby suggesting that this would be a subculture within the LGBTQIA+ community. That is not the case.

What is BDSM?

The history of BDSM goes back to the early 1990s when it comes to the abbreviation, as it is an amalgamation of several terms.

This is an amalgamation of English-language terms, which led to BDSM. Sexual preferences and role-playing games using imposed physical restraints, nerve stimuli and power relations. Its origins can be traced back to the 1990s. From 1991, the concept was further developed via Usenet.

Whereas BDSM itself can be part of a subculture, for example when there is a placement within the LGBT+ community because it does involve individuals who can be traced back to the LGBT+ community in that particular case, BDSM itself is again an umbrella term for other categories.

Origin and meaning of the BDSM Pride Flag

The origins of the BDSM Pride Flag can be traced back to the Leather Pride Flag. The flag was presented sometime in 2005. Incidentally, the official name of the flag is the BDSM Rights Flag and was based on the Leather Pride Flag. The flag contains a red, and white logo. This logo resembles the BDSM logo. Due to copyright, this logo differs slightly from the existing logo. The flag was presented in 2005 by one Tanos, who was associated with the now-unavailable website BDSMRights.com. It is still available through this archived version of the website.

More about the BDSM Pride Flag

Drag Flag

The Drag Pride Flag was given an update after a contest was launched via DragPride.com in 2016 and a new flag was presented. That happened on March 9, 2016. Despite this, you still see the old flag, presented in 1999, regularly. Whether that makes sense, is the question.

1999: Feather Pride Flag

Campbell designed the flag as an image for the Gay and Lesbian Times (GLT) in June 2000. In honour of Pride Month. No paper or digital versions of this magazine are available anymore. We, therefore, have to make do with this entry from 25 January 2012, which looks back at this event. That is an archived page because the original web location is an insecure one.

The flag would become the symbol of the drag community worldwide from 2000 onwards. The phoenix rises from the ashes, symbolising rebirth and the fiery passion that characterises the community. The resilience of this symbol made sense to Campbell even then, as he drew a comparison with the drag community. Where he also drew a relationship was the ongoing struggle this mythical bird faces and the struggle drags faces. A struggle for acceptance and emancipation. In addition, the bird represents the same allocation and energy as the community. That would be the message that would later be attached to this flag. There is just another message that belongs to this flag and you can read it on the page from 2012.

Relatie gelegd door Campbell

Sean Campbell was also responsible for the design of the the Labrys Lesbian Pride Flag in 1999. For that flag too, the flag was designed with the best of intentions. Only the flag was designed for a particular purpose: the Gay and Lesbian Times in this case. At the time, the Labrys Lesbian Pride Flag was meant to be a general flag for the entire lesbian community. The flag would never become that, as it was designed by a man.

Campbell mostly made a connection between gays and drags. Nothing necessarily wrong with that, by the way. What happened next could be questioned. The phoenix is related to the tragic events of the 1980s. When a disease was on the rise that people did not know of. A disease that struck mercilessly. A disease that it would later turn out was not tied to the gay community. That was and is HIV/AIDS. The black and white motif in the background was also a reference to something that was just pathetic, according to Campbell. It reminded one of the harlequins. He did excuse himself by saying that people should especially not think drags should be compared to them, as you can read here.

When you consider what is referred to next, The Twilight Guard, you arrive at a website that once again confirms why the flag was made by Campbell. The flag overview page also shows the Feather Drag Pride Flag, with accompanying explanations. The same goes for the Labrys Lesbian Pride Flag, by the way.

So it is quite logical that a new design was chosen in 2016.

2016: Drag Flag

In 2016, the Austin International Drag Festival (AIDF) took place and a competition was organised in its honour. The aim was to present a new flag for the community. It succeeded, as Veranda L’Ni’s design was presented as the Drag Flag on 11 March 2016. The flag is also known as the Drag Pride Flag. With this, the organisation wanted to take a clear stance when it came to the placement of this flag. They placed this flag alongside all the other flags of the rainbow. You can read more about that via this page.

Meaning Drag (Pride) Flag

The Drag Flag or Drag Pride Flag consists of the colours pink, white and blue. In addition, symbols are visible. These are a crown and stars. The meaning of the flag is as follows:

Purple: represemts the passion for drag we all share.
White: represents the blank state that is our body and face that we all change to create the characters that we become.
Blue: represents self expression and loyalty.
Pink crown: represents leadership in the community.
Pink stars: represent the many forms of drag.

More about drag and the Drag Pride Flag(s)

Leather Pride Flag

Unlike the BDSM Pride Flag, there is indeed a relationship with the LGBTQIA+ community when it comes to the LGBTQIA+ community. Because this flag served as the basis for some other flags, there may be confusion that this flag may not quite belong to the LGBTQIA+ community. The Leather Pride Flag does belong to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Origin and meaning of Leather Pride Flag

The Leather Pride Flag has a long history, as it was presented on May 28, 1989, in honour of the international conference International Mr. Leather. The aim of Tony DeBlase (1942-2000) was to increase the visibility of those who walked along during Pride Parades worldwide. He made a connection with events that took place between June 28 and July 3 1969 in Greenwich Village in New York City. Those events that took place then are known as the Stonewall uprising or the Stonewall riots. The flag was nicknamed Black and Blue with Love .

Although the flag was mainly embraced by the male gay scene, according to DeBlase, the flag was also meant for women. The flag may have been intended for the LGBTQIA+ community, but the flag can be seen more broadly. The flag has become part of the BDSM community. The flag may otherwise be interpreted “freely”.

More about the Leather Pride Flag

Master/slave Flag

The website itself no longer exists where all the information about the Master/slave Flag could be found. However, the archived version where the flag was presented in 2005 can still be found via The Internet Archive. The flag was presented on June 29, 2005.

About the Master/slave Flag

The flag is associated with the BDSDM community. This means that the flag is not necessarily an LGBTQIA+ flag. Thus, the flag transcends sexual orientation. Again, this flag is used within the LGBTQIA+ community and therefore should not be missing in this article.

The flag consists of a vertical red line on the left, representing authority, power or dominance. The three horizontal red lines next to it form an ideogram. Three horizontal lines together can also mean something else: the passive intellect, which within psychology equals submission.

More about the Master/slave Flag

Ownership Flag

The Ownership Flag is derived from the Ownership Icons and was presented in 2007. The flag is not directly associated with the LGBTQIA+ community, but is part of the BDSM community. That said, the flag, like other BDSM flags, has a relationship with the LGBTQIA+ community.

What is Ownership?

The term ownership is explained on this archived page, where there is also more information about the flag itself. The flag bears similarities to the Master/slave Flag.

Meaning of the Ownership Flag

The Ownership Flag uses the Ownership Icons and on this is an icon that is supposed to represent a shield. That stands for the owner (owner). The collar around it represents the submissive or slave. Then there are nine black and white stripes visible on the flag, which are a reference to prison uniforms or bars of a jail or cage.

More about the Ownership Flag

Pony Pride Flag

It is not often that a website or page is excluded from archiving by The Internet Archive/Wayback Machine. That has been the case for the page containing information about the Pony Pride Flag, as seen below.

Why a Pony Pride Flag?

The Ponies (ponies in Dutch) are a separate subculture within BSDM culture and the flag has represented this (sub)culture since 2007. Do not confuse all this with Ponygender. Ponygender is a xenogender identity, where the person in question feels or identifies a strong connection with or to ponies.

This is a sexual preference, which is part of a community that is not explicitly linked to the LGBTQIA+ community. That said, it is all part of the LGBTQIA+ community because of the sexual preferences of individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide. In addition, there is a relationship with the so-called Leather Culture or Leather Culture within the LGBTQIA+ community, of which the Leather Pride Flag is (of course) the (flag) symbol.

Conceived by Carrie (MysticStorm), the flag consists of horseshoes and establishes a relationship with the flag of the BDSM community through the colour accents. The flag is also sometimes described as the Pony Play Flag.

More about the Pony Pride Flag

Rubber Fetish Pride Flag

The Rubber Fetish Pride Flag, also known as the Rubber Pride Flag, was created by Peter Tolos and Scott Moats in 1994 (source). Other sources assume a different year, namely 1995 (source). This flag is not directly associated with the LGBTQIA+ community, but there is a relationship with the community. Hence, the flag therefore regularly appears in listings of flags associated with the LGBTQIA+ community.

Why Rubber Fetish?

Another description for this is latex fetishism. It refers to the attraction persons have to rubber or latex in clothing. This should not be confused with this form of PVC fetishism, as this involves a different type of material. Rubber fetishism falls within the realm of BDSM.

Meaning of the Rubber Fetish Pride Flag

The Rubber Fetish Pride Flag consists of the colours black, red and yellow. The meaning of the flag is as follows:

More about the Rubber Fetish Pride Flag

Flags that do not belong to the LGBTQIA+ community

Certain flags are not included in the list of LGBTQIA+ flags. This is because they really should not be included in the listings. Yet they appear on other websites as if it were the most normal thing in the world. Even in the section on subcultures and more, this volume, of the series The Flags of the Rainbow, these flags are included without thereby automatically being part of the flags that are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. This was previously the case for some flags associated with BDSM culture. Since there may be a relationship with the LGBTQIA+ community, we chose to include the flags in the overview though. Admittedly with a clear mention. Points of attention apply to the following two flags. Care should be taken. To avoid misunderstandings.

De Polyamory Pride Flag

In a large number of reviews, the 1995 Polyamory Pride Flag is simply still included as part of the LGBTQIA+ flags. Without mentioning that this is incorrect. There is no space reserved for the letter P for polyamory within the abbreviations used. Also, polyamory does not fall under the plus sign. So how is it possible that this flag appears so often in lists of flags related to the LGBTQIA+ community? It has everything to do with the way the polyamory community itself has come out. Whether it is right that polyamory is part of the LGBTQIA+ community will be provided with an answer later.

What is polyamory?

Polyamory should never be confused with things like bigamy or polygamy. Those things are criminal and have to do with marriages. Polygamy has nothing to do with that. The word itself consists of the Ancient Greek words poly, many or several, and the Latin word amor, love. The persons in question have a love relationship with more than one person or are open to it, with consent. The latter is important, otherwise there is no polyamory. There is room for sexual activity.

The difference with bigamy is that it refers to marriage, as it includes bi, two, and gamos, marriage. The words come from Greek. So is polygamy, where poly stands for many. In very many countries, both bigamy and polygamy are prohibited by law.

Even though polyamory is just allowed, it generates resistance and misunderstanding. In some cases, it results in exclusion. In even more extreme cases, it can lead to discrimination and even violence. This brings us to the question of whether it is justified whether polyamorists therefore belong within the LGBTQIA+ community or not. That depends on gender identity and sexual orientation. Not on polyamory. Polyamory does not guarantee sexual contact between persons of the same gender. It can, but does not have to. Sexual relationships are based on what the partners have discussed within the relationships and that varies from one situation to another.

Just based on the way society views polyamory and then treats individuals is not a logical choice to include the group as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. A good example is cisgender heterosexual persons in a mixed relationship. When different ethnic backgrounds are involved, this can lead to discrimination and violence. Is this then a reason to include those groups within the LGBTQIA+ community? As pernicious as that behaviour (discrimination and violence) is, it is based on something other than gender identity or sexual orientation. What is clear though, persons who this happens to can march together during Pride Parades with the LGBTQIA+ community. To end discrimination, and violence and fight for emancipation together. There are commonalities to be discerned. Hence, polyamory is not part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to draw attention to rights. Marching together against inequality is a good initiative. Supporting each other is good. Polyamorists all over the world therefore participate in Pride Parades and Pride Walks. This is because people want to draw attention to their rights. Whether you agree with their views or not, they are doing exactly what the LGBT+ community is doing and that is fighting for change. In essence, that amounts to fighting for acceptance for a love relationship that is “different” from what the world is used to in some cases. That has nothing to do with “imposing” certain choices or a certain idea. It has to do with the fervent desire to be accepted.

The only question is, how does the community itself feel about it? This 2020 article by Kim Barrett described that polyamory does not belong within the LGBTQIA+ community, but alongside it. Barrett knows, as she is a polyamorist and belongs to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Two flags for the polyamory community

When it comes to flags related to the LGBTQIA+ community, and this does not give enough thought to the polyamory community, the 1995 flag may be used for an overview. This is the flag designed by Jim Evans. The flag would stand as the representation of the polyamory community worldwide until 2022.

The flag consists of the colours blue, red, and black and a gold-coloured pi symbol is visible in the centre. The meaning of the flag is as follows:

Blue: openness and honesty between all partners with whom one maintains relationships.
Red: love, passion and attraction.
Black: solidarity with those who, under social pressure, have to hide their relationships from the outside world.
Pi sign: the first letter of the word polyamory, in gold. because this colour conveys a certain value one gives the concept.

In 2022, the website Polyamproud.com organised a competition for a new flag design for the community. Four participating designs could be voted for. In the end, Red Howell’s design won. What was new in this flag was the presence of a white section and a heart, instead of the pi sign. The flag has the following meaning:

More about polyamory and the Polyamory Pride Flag

Straight Ally Pride Flag

The Straight Ally Pride Flag is a flag similar to the less positive Straight Flag. That flag has a less positive background because, with it, opponents take a stand. They are depositing the point of view that they are the very ones who are restricted, or indeed marginalised, by the LGBTQIA+ community. The black and white part of the Straight Ally Pride Flag resembles the Straight Flag. There is just no relationship between the two flags. A Straight Ally or an Ally is the exact opposite of those who indicate an alleged conspiracy or secret agenda is being rolled out by the LGBTQIA+ community, whether aided or abetted by an (international) government organisation or not. Sometimes even by multiple (international) government organisations.

About Allies

You don’t see the flag very often. There are reasons for that. The reason does not have everything to do with its resemblance to the Straight Pride Flag. There are other reasons to consider. Firstly, there is the question of when you are a Straight Ally or Ally. You are not just that, officially. There is a difference between actively supporting and being that Ally with a capital letter. Of course, it is possible to be an Ally without a capital letter.

What is an Ally?

An Ally (capitalised) is a cisgender heterosexual person who has gone through the three stages before she or he is allowed to conduct the Alliance.

Phase 1

This first phase is about the people around you. About the people you care about. Usually, these are family members or friends. Self-interest is paramount here, but not necessarily in a negative sense. Self-interest in this case is also the interest of the persons around you, because as an ally you want to support these persons. Think, for example, of how parents support their children when they talk about their sexual orientation or identity. The only downside is that support is limited to a small group or circle. Logical, as the focus is only on those close to them. If there is a second stage, then this view is broadened.

Major social problems are seen but not addressed by allies in this phase. These problems are there, but they would arise from particular individuals, rather than from a bigger picture. Consider, for example, bullying behaviour. Bullying behaviour stems from a particular behaviour, which could be changed through broad social development.

Phase 2

In the second phase, altruism is central. The ally has now realised that social developments are necessary to bring about a change, in which not only one person can be affected positively, but a larger group. It is also clear that the ally enjoys certain societal privileges. Still, there is a sense that something or someone needs to be helped as or with some kind of life preserver.

Fase 3

The final stage consists of the fight for social justice. Side by side, you might argue. To command respect for those who are oppressed and deserve equal treatment. The difference here is that the ally is fully aware that the group being supported is perfectly capable of standing up for itself. Throwing out the aforementioned life preserver is therefore no longer necessary.

Keith Edwards

The three phases as described above are based on sociologist Keith Edwards’ view and more information on them can be found via this link and this link. What it all starts with is empathising with a particular situation. From there, it continues. That point is also essential for things like acceptance and further emancipation. It just doesn’t stop there.

To what extent you are a Straight Ally yourself, you do not officially decide for yourself. That title is awarded to you by others (from within the LGBTQIA+ community, that is).

Is a Straight Ally Pride Flag necessary?

Reading the article “Is there a Straight Pride flag? Exploring the controversy of the heterosexual flag” from LGBTQ Nation reads, then there might be the idea that this flag is not desirable. The answer to the question of whether a Straight Ally Pride Flag is necessary can thus be provided with a negative answer. That applies only to the Straight Pride Flag. That flag differs, as you can read in this section of the 1 September 2022 article. The original version, by the way, shows all the images, which you don’t see in the archived version.

The Straight Pride Flag is associated with hate. Therefore, versions of that flag are not depicted in this article.

More about on the Straight Ally Pride Flag

Final thoughts

It has been a recurring topic in recent years. The conspiracy theory is that the letter “P” would become part of the acronym LGBTQIA+ or equivalent. To be clear, there are no plans for this and there were no plans for this. Neither is a change to a Pride flag because the abbreviation would change.

By now, it has been debunked many times. Yet the “news” returns with some regularity. It is just not news, hence the inverted commas. No mention is included that relates to paedophilia or paedosexuality. So no letter P is added to the abbreviation LGBTQIA+ or any similar abbreviation, so there is an acceptance of paedophilia or paedosexuality.

Several fact-checking organisations have already addressed this issue. For example, Snopes did so in 2017 (“Is ‘LGBT’ Adding a ‘P’ for Pedosexuals?“). An archived version of the article “Fact Check: The LGBTQ community is not adding “P “to their acronym” from Reuters (29-03-2020) provides a similar analysis.

So, in short, no letter P is added. There is no relationship with the LGBTQIA+ community. Any suggestion or accusation is nothing more than deception and an outright conspiracy theory.

More information about the conspiracy theories

About this series

The Rainbow Flags series is divided into four volumes.