Designer of Transgender Flag Reflects on Its Significance in Media Interview

LGBT pride flags flying in a rally

OCTOBER 10, 2024 — Monica Helms, the creator of the transgender pride flag, recently spoke with WXIA-TV. In the interview, Helms expressed her aspiration to see the flag reach new heights: “I have a bucket list item for the flag. I want to see it in the International Space Station.” She added that the flag’s visibility brings a sense of community and belonging: “When you see those colors, you immediately recognize the flag and understand that you’re not alone in this world.”

The flag, featuring light blue, pink, and white stripes, holds deep meaning: the blue represents those who identify as male, the pink signifies those who identify as female, and the white stripe symbolizes individuals who are non-binary, gender nonconforming, or transitioning. Helms highlighted that the flag can be flown in any orientation and still be correct, reflecting the idea of personal authenticity and self-discovery.

Helms, a U.S. Navy veteran who enlisted in 1970, served as a nuclear-trained machinist mate specializing in submarines. She began her transition in 1997 and designed the first transgender pride flag in 1999, unveiling it at a Pride parade in Phoenix in 2000.

Image: LGBT pride flags in Kraków, by Silar, CC BY-SA 4.0

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