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Bisexual flag
UseSymbol of the bisexual community
Proportion3:5
Adopted1998
DesignThree solid horizontal bars: two fifths pink, one fifth purple, and two fifths blue.
Designed byMichael Page
Part of the LGBTQ series
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The bisexual flag, also called the bisexual pride flag, is a pride flag representing bisexuality, bisexual individuals and the bisexual community. According to Michael Page, the activist who created the flag based on a color palette designed by Liz Nania,[1][2] the pink stripe represents attraction to the same sex, while the blue stripe represents attraction to the opposite sex. The purple stripe, the resulting "overlap" of the blue and pink stripes, represents attraction to both sexes.[1]

Page designed the flag to increase the visibility of bisexuals among society as a whole and within the LGBTQ community. He aimed to give the bisexual community a symbol that is comparable to the rainbow flag for the greater LGBT community. The first bisexual pride flag was unveiled at the BiCafe's first anniversary party[3] on December 5, 1998.[4]

Design and colors

[edit]
The biangles symbol of bisexuality, designed by artist Liz Nania, from which Michael Page stated that he took the colors and overlap for the bisexual pride flag, which he created

Page stated that he took the colors and overlap for the flag from the biangles, symbol of bisexuality.[1][2] The biangles symbol of bisexuality was designed by artist Liz Nania as she co-organized a bisexual contingent for the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987.[5] The design of the biangles began with the pink triangle, a Nazi concentration camp badge that later became a symbol of gay liberation representing homosexuality. The addition of a blue triangle contrasts the pink and represents heterosexuality. The two triangles overlap and form lavender, which represents the "queerness of bisexuality", referencing the Lavender Menace and 1980s and 1990s associations of lavender with queerness.[2]

Page described the meaning of the pink, purple, and blue colors:[1][6]

The pink color represents sexual attraction to the same sex only (gay and lesbian). The blue represents sexual attraction to the opposite sex only (straight) and the resultant overlap color purple represents sexual attraction to both sexes (bi). The key to understanding the symbolism of the Bi Pride Flag is to know that the purple pixels of color blend unnoticeably into both the pink and blue, just as in the 'real world,' where bi people blend unnoticeably into both the gay/lesbian and straight communities.

Since the original design, the purple overlap has been reinterpreted and is now widely understood to represent attraction regardless of sex or gender.[7]

The flag is used in different aspect ratios; 2:3 and 3:5 are often used, in common with many other flags.[citation needed]

In vexillological terms, the bisexual pride flag is a simple horizontal tricolor.

Official[1] Unofficial
Colour named as Pantone (PMS) RGB Hex triplet Color
Magenta (pink) 226 214, 2, 112 #D60270
Lavender (purple) 258 115, 79, 150 #9B4F96
Royal (blue) 286 0, 56, 168 #0038A8
A physical version of the bisexual pride flag

The pink stripe takes up two fifths of the flag, the purple stripe takes up the middle fifth, and the blue stripe takes up the other two fifths.[1] The flag has been most commonly oriented with the pink stripe at the top, but both orientations are acceptable.[3] The flag is not patented, trademarked, or service marked.[1]

Variation

[edit]
The trillium flower is another symbol of bisexuality

The bisexual pride flag is used in different aspect ratios; 2:3 and 3:5 are often used, in common with many other flags.[citation needed]

In 1999, Michael Page established the use of the trillium flower as a symbol of bisexuality.[8][9][10]

Licensing controversy

[edit]
See also: BiNet USA § Claims of copyright of bisexual pride flag

In 1998, Page stated that the bisexual pride flag was "for free public and commercial use" and that it was "not patented, trademarked or service marked".[1] In April 2020, BiNet USA falsely claimed that it was the sole copyright owner of the flag and flag colors, and said organizations and individuals who wished to use the flag for commercial purposes would be required to obtain a license from the organization, despite having nothing to do with the flag's design or creation.[11] BiNet's claim and the resulting controversy were covered by Out and LGBTQ Nation, which cast doubt on BiNet's claim and noted that the flag is not eligible for copyright.[11][12]

BiNet USA ultimately ceased to use the flag on May 8, 2020, opting instead to use a different design.[13]

Similar symbols representing bisexuality

[edit]

Biangles

[edit]
The biangles, designed by artist Liz Nania to represent bisexuality

The biangles were designed by artist Liz Nania, as she co-organized a bisexual contingent for the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987.[14][15] The design of the biangles began with the pink triangle, a Nazi concentration camp badge that later became a symbol of gay liberation representing homosexuality. The addition of a blue triangle contrasts the pink and represents heterosexuality. The two triangles overlap and form lavender, which represents the "queerness of bisexuality", referencing the Lavender Menace and 1980s and 1990s associations of lavender with queerness.[16]

Bisexual lighting

[edit]
A 3D rendering of a skeleton showcasing bisexual lighting
A 3D rendering of a skeleton showcasing bisexual lighting

Bisexual lighting is the simultaneous use of pink, purple, and blue lighting and is used to represent bisexual characters. The colors may be a direct reference to the bisexual pride flag.[17][18] Bisexual lighting has been used in studio lighting for film and television, and has been observed in the cinematography of various films. According to BOWIE Creators, the concept of bisexual lighting was invented in 2014 by a Tumblr fan of Sherlock who believed that the lighting was being used to signal that Dr. Watson was bisexual and would eventually be in a romantic relationship with Sherlock Holmes.[19]

Double crescent moon

[edit]

Because many bisexuals objected to the use of the biangles symbol involving the Nazi-associated pink triangle, Vivian Wagner designed the double crescent moon symbol as an alternative way to symbolize bisexuality.[20][21]

  • The double crescent moon bisexuality symbol with bisexual flag colors, designed by Vivian Wagner
    The double crescent moon bisexuality symbol with bisexual flag colors, designed by Vivian Wagner
  • Another version of the double crescent moon bisexuality symbol with bisexual flag colors
    Another version of the double crescent moon bisexuality symbol with bisexual flag colors
  • A version of the double crescent moon bisexuality symbol with rainbow flag colors
    A version of the double crescent moon bisexuality symbol with rainbow flag colors

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bisexual flag

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The bisexual pride flag consists of three equal horizontal stripes of pink at the top, purple in the middle, and blue at the bottom, serving as a for individuals attracted to more than one . Designed by activist and first displayed online in December 1998, the flag aimed to provide the bisexual community with a distinct akin to the rainbow flag for individuals, thereby enhancing visibility amid perceptions of marginalization within broader LGBTQ circles. The pink stripe represents homosexual attraction, the blue stripe heterosexual attraction, and the purple stripe the overlap signifying , with Page drawing from existing bisexual symbols like the and blue triangle overlapped in purple. Unlike many pride symbols, Page explicitly chose not to , , or the design, intending it for unrestricted communal use. In 2020, the advocacy group sparked controversy by attempting to enforce claims on commercial uses of the flag, prompting backlash from activists who highlighted the designer's intent and leading to internal resignations within the organization. This episode underscored tensions over in activist symbols, where communal sharing typically prevails over proprietary control to foster widespread adoption.

History

Creation and Initial Unveiling

The bisexual pride flag was designed by , a bisexual activist from , in 1998 to address the lack of visibility for bisexual individuals within broader society and the LGBTQ community. Page drew inspiration from the existing bi-angles symbol, which consists of overlapping pink and royal blue triangles representing same-sex and opposite-sex attraction, respectively, aiming to create a distinct emblem that affirmed bisexual identity without subsuming it under gay or lesbian symbols. The flag features three horizontal stripes: (or ) at the top representing attraction to the same sex, at the bottom for attraction to the opposite sex, and a central stripe of signifying the combination of both. Page's process emphasized equal representation, with the purple stripe's width matching the pink and blue to avoid implying as merely a blend or midpoint between and . It was first unveiled on December 5, 1998, during the first anniversary party of BiCafe.com, an online community for bisexuals founded by Page and others, marking the public debut of the flag as a for bisexual . The event highlighted the flag's role in fostering bisexual-specific recognition, coinciding with Page's involvement in establishing International later that year on September 23.

Early Adoption Within Bisexual Communities

The bisexual pride flag saw initial uptake within bisexual communities shortly after its unveiling on December 5, 1998, at the first anniversary celebration of BiCafe, an early online hub for bisexual individuals. This event marked the flag's introduction to a gathered audience, fostering immediate recognition as a symbol of bi pride and visibility distinct from broader LGBTQ+ icons. Its first documented public display occurred on March 22, 1999, at the Equality Begins at Home Rally in , where the flag served as a focal point for advocacy efforts. The rally's coverage, including a front-page feature in the Tallahassee Democrat, amplified its exposure, positioning it as an emblem of bisexual equality. BiNet USA, a prominent bisexual rights organization, contributed to early dissemination by producing and distributing stickers and badges featuring the design, which helped embed the flag in and personal expression. By early 2000, adoption extended internationally, with appearances at Australia's in March and World Pride in in May, reflecting growing enthusiasm among bisexual groups for a dedicated . Online listservs and nascent digital platforms further propelled its spread, enabling bisexual individuals to integrate the flag into discussions, events, and identity-affirming materials, solidifying its role in fostering unity and countering marginalization within and beyond LGBTQ+ spaces.

Design

Color Composition

The bisexual pride flag features three equal-width horizontal stripes in distinct colors: at the top, in the center, and at the bottom. The proportions deviate from equality, with the top and bottom stripes each occupying 40% of the flag's height, while the central stripe spans the remaining 20%. These dimensions were specified by the flag's creator, , upon its design in 1998. Color specifications lack a single codified standard, leading to variations in reproductions, but common designations include hot or (approximating RGB 255, 0, 128 or hex #FF0080 for the top stripe), lavender or violet (RGB 128, 0, 128 or hex #800080 for the center), and royal or (RGB 0, 0, 255 or hex #0000FF for the bottom). Page selected these hues drawing from prior bisexual symbols like overlapping and triangles, blending them to form the intermediary. The flag's simple striped composition prioritizes visibility and printability, avoiding complex patterns that could dilute recognition in activist contexts.

Intended Symbolism and Interpretations


The bisexual pride flag consists of three horizontal stripes of equal width: fuchsia on top, in the center, and on the bottom. , the flag's creator, intended the pink stripe to represent attraction to the same sex, the blue stripe to signify attraction to , and the stripe to symbolize the combination of both, reflecting as an overlap of these attractions.
Interpretations of the design emphasize its representation of bisexuality's position between exclusive same-sex and opposite-sex attractions, with the purple serving as a visual blend that underscores dual or multiple attractions without implying a on a spectrum. Page drew inspiration from earlier bisexual symbols like the bi-angles, incorporating their , , and palette to evoke pride and visibility akin to the rainbow flag for communities. Some observers note the stripes' equal proportions as denoting balanced attractions, though Page did not explicitly state this, focusing instead on color symbolism for community recognition.

Controversies

Licensing and Ownership Disputes

In April 2020, , a bisexual advocacy organization, publicly asserted ownership over the bisexual pride flag, claiming it as the "" owner and implying control over its use, which prompted widespread backlash within the LGBTQ+ community. The organization's statements, including demands for permissions or payments for commercial uses, suggested an intent to enforce rights, despite the flag's designer, , having created it in 1998 without assigning any such rights to . Page, who unveiled the flag on December 5, 1998, explicitly stated that "the Bi Pride Flag is the only bisexual symbol not patented, trademarked or service marked," emphasizing its intentional release into the public domain to promote free adoption by the bisexual community. He disputed BiNet USA's narrative that the flag was a collaborative product developed under their auspices during his volunteer work, clarifying that while he had volunteered for the group, the design originated independently and carried no licensing restrictions. Legal analyses noted that while flag designs can receive thin copyright protection for their specific graphic elements, symbolic works like pride flags often fail to qualify for robust enforcement due to their functional, expressive nature and widespread dissemination, rendering BiNet USA's claims practically unenforceable. The controversy escalated rapidly, with activists accusing of attempting to monetize a communal symbol, leading to deleted posts, multiple board resignations, and internal organizational turmoil by early May 2020. Community outrage highlighted concerns over gatekeeping bisexual representation, especially given 's history of internal disputes and perceived mismanagement, though the group maintained its claim stemmed from supporting Page's work without evidence of formal transfer. No lawsuits materialized, and the flag continued unrestricted use in , merchandise, and events, underscoring the challenges of asserting over non-proprietary cultural icons.

Criticisms of Design and Representation

The bisexual pride flag's design has been criticized for fostering misconceptions about the nature of , particularly through its color choices. The (or ) stripe, intended to symbolize same-gender attraction, and the royal stripe for opposite-gender attraction, are commonly misinterpreted as representing attraction specifically to women and men, with the central purple stripe seen as a mere overlap or blend of the two. This interpretation, which aligns with and with due to longstanding cultural associations, is said to reinforce a strict , potentially excluding non-binary or genderqueer aspects of bisexual attraction. Such critiques argue that the flag's simplicity inadvertently limits its representational scope, portraying bisexuality as confined to two genders rather than a broader capacity for attraction to multiple genders or along a . , the flag's creator, designed it in 1998 to emphasize attraction independent of gender assignment, yet the persistent binary reading has fueled debates among bisexual activists about whether the symbolism fully captures the orientation's fluidity and diversity. Additionally, the flag's horizontal stripes and color palette have been faulted for visual similarities to the pride flag—light pink, white, and light blue—which can lead to confusion in shared LGBTQ+ spaces, diluting the bisexual flag's distinct identity and visibility. This overlap in hues, despite differing shades and structures, underscores challenges in designing symbols that stand out amid proliferating .

Alternative Symbols

Double Moon Symbol

The double moon symbol, also known as the double crescent moon, consists of two curved crescent shapes facing away from each other, typically rendered in blue, purple, and pink to align with bisexual pride colors. It represents as an alternative to triangular motifs, avoiding associations with the used by Nazis to mark homosexuals during . Designed in 1998 by Vivian Wagner, a German activist, the symbol emerged in response to objections to the biangles—a pair of overlapping and triangles—which evoked traumatic historical connotations for some users. Wagner's creation provided a geometrically distinct option emphasizing fluidity and duality through the interlocking yet opposing moons, symbolizing attraction to multiple genders without relying on reclaimed persecution imagery. Adoption has been niche but persistent within bisexual circles, appearing on apparel, stickers, and as a subtle identifier. Its colors—blue for attraction to men, for women, and for the overlap—mirror the bisexual pride flag's palette, reinforcing thematic consistency despite the flag's dominance since its 1998 unveiling. The symbol's simplicity facilitates versatile use, though it lacks the widespread recognition of flags or biangles.

Biangles and Historical Icons

The biangles, consisting of two overlapping equilateral triangles—one rendered in pink and the other in dark blue to form a purple intersection—served as an early visual emblem for bisexual identity. This design was created in March 1987 by artist Liz Nania during her involvement in organizing a national bisexual contingent for events in Nania, identifying as a , initially produced the symbol on pins, buttons, and T-shirts, which facilitated its distribution within bisexual communities. Adopted as possibly the earliest dedicated symbol for bisexual visibility, the biangles drew partial inspiration from the reclaimed , originally a used to identify homosexuals in , but adapted with the addition of a triangle to signify attraction to both sexes. By the early , the motif appeared in various bisexual group materials across the , though its proliferation was limited compared to broader LGBTQ+ symbols. Objections arose among some bisexual individuals due to the pink triangle's historical ties to , prompting alternatives and influencing the development of the bisexual pride flag in , which stacked the biangles' colors horizontally to evoke similar symbolism without direct triangular reference. Despite these concerns, the biangles retained niche usage in activist contexts into the , representing a foundational in bisexual symbolism prior to the flag's dominance.

Reception and Impact

Usage in LGBTQ+ Activism and Culture

The bisexual pride flag, designed by Michael Page and unveiled on December 5, 1998, at the BiCafe's first anniversary event in Florida, quickly became a key symbol for bisexual visibility within LGBTQ+ activism. Page intended it to parallel the rainbow flag's role for the gay community, providing bisexual individuals with a distinct emblem to combat erasure and promote pride during events like pride parades and awareness campaigns. Since its debut, the flag has been carried in marches, such as those during Pride Month, where groups hoist it to highlight bisexual participation and challenge intra-community marginalization. In organizational activism, groups like the Bisexual Resource Center advocate for its display alongside the rainbow flag at LGBTQ+ centers, events, and online materials to foster inclusivity and signal welcome to bisexual attendees. During Bi Visibility Week and Month observances, particularly around , the flag appears in rallies, workshops, and drives aimed at addressing and amplifying bisexual voices in policy discussions and anti-discrimination efforts. Its use extends to international contexts, with activists adapting it for local pride festivals to underscore bisexuality's role in broader liberation movements. Culturally, the flag adorns merchandise, apparel, and digital avatars, serving as a personal and communal marker of identity in media, art, and online communities. It has influenced event aesthetics, appearing in flag arrays at festivals and symbolized in campaigns by figures like bisexual activists who integrate it into and narratives. Despite its adoption, surveys and reports note persistent underrepresentation, with bisexual flags sometimes overshadowed in rainbow-dominated displays, prompting ongoing calls for equitable prominence in cultural representations.

Effectiveness and Ongoing Debates

The bisexual pride flag, introduced in 1998 by activist , was explicitly created to enhance visibility for bisexual individuals within both the broader LGBTQ+ community and society, addressing perceived bi-erasure where bisexual attractions are often dismissed or invalidated. Its adoption in pride parades, awareness campaigns like Bisexual Visibility Day (established in 1999), and cultural merchandise has contributed to greater recognition, with the flag appearing at events and in media to signify bisexual pride and solidarity. Despite this, empirical data indicates limited overall impact on reducing bisexual-specific challenges; for instance, a 2014 report highlighted that bisexual individuals experience higher rates of , , and disparities compared to monosexual counterparts, suggesting persistent erasure beyond symbolic representation. Similarly, 2021 research from found multisexual youth (including bisexuals) reporting elevated suicide attempt rates, underscoring that flags alone do not mitigate structural biases. Ongoing debates center on the flag's design and representational adequacy. Critics argue the —pink for same-sex attraction, blue for opposite-sex, and purple for both—implicitly reinforces a binary framework of , potentially underrepresenting bisexual attractions to non-binary or multiple genders beyond male/female dichotomies, as bisexuality is defined by organizations like the as attraction to two or more genders. This has fueled discussions on whether the symbolism prioritizes compatibility with gay/lesbian (pink) and heterosexual (blue) flags over fully capturing bisexual fluidity, with some community members favoring alternative icons like biangles for their of duality without color-coded binaries. Proponents counter that the purple stripe's blending effect symbolizes bisexuals' integration across communities, enhancing its practical utility in . Broader contention arises from the proliferation of pride flags, including pansexual and variants, which some view as diluting the bisexual flag's distinctiveness and contributing to "flag fatigue" that fragments collective LGBTQ+ symbolism originally embodied by flag. This has prompted proposals for "bi-inclusive" progress flags incorporating bisexual elements into updated rainbows, though detractors argue such modifications undermine the original 's purpose of standalone visibility. Additionally, the flag's lower cultural penetration compared to —attributed to its shorter and narrower scope—persists, as evidenced by Unicode's 2020 rejection of a bisexual emoji due to perceived redundancy with existing symbols, limiting digital accessibility and awareness. These debates reflect tensions between preserving historical intent and adapting to evolving identities, with no consensus on redesigns amid evidence that bisexual identification remains the largest LGBTQ+ subgroup yet faces disproportionate invalidation.

References

  1. https://flagsforgood.com/blogs/news/bi-pride-video
  2. https://bi.org/en/articles/celebrating-the-bi-flag
  3. https://time.com/6182859/bisexual-pride-flag-history/
  4. https://www.queerarthistory.com/uncategorized/michael-page-bisexual-pride-flag-1998/
  5. https://www.hrc.org/resources/lgbtq-pride-flags
  6. https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2020/04/29/the-copyright-battle-over-the-bisexual-pride-flag/
  7. https://www.them.us/story/binet-usa-bi-pride-flag-controversy
  8. https://www.worldipreview.com/copyright/the-bi-flag-controversy-and-when-ip-becomes-personal-19622
  9. https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/08/26/every-single-thing-you-need-to-know-about-the-iconic-bisexual-flag-including-who-invented-it/
  10. https://www.outinperth.com/on-this-gay-day-the-bisexual-pride-flag-was-unveiled-for-the-first-time/
  11. https://thisisbiscuit.org.uk/editorials-and-articles/potted-history-of-the-bi-flag
  12. https://midsouthpride.org/flag/bisexual-pride-flag/
  13. https://www.facebook.com/LanceBassOfficial/posts/the-bisexual-pride-flag-was-designed-by-michael-page-in-1998-in-order-to-give-th/10157476880898578/
  14. https://www.color-hex.com/color-palette/3899
  15. https://www.schemecolor.com/bisexuality-flag-colors.php
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  17. https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/laurenstrapagiel/binet-usa-bisexual-flag-copyright
  18. https://gaycitynews.com/can-anyone-claim-ownership-of-the-bisexual-pride-flag/
  19. https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2023/06/26/copyright-in-pride-flags/
  20. https://gcn.ie/organisation-claims-copyright-ownership-bi-pride-flag/
  21. https://pridepalace.lgbt/blogs/news/the-history-of-the-bisexual-flag-and-what-it-represents
  22. https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/bisexual-definition-gender-binary
  23. https://www.seventeen.com/life/a43430471/bisexual-flag-meaning/
  24. https://discover.hubpages.com/relationships/Show-Your-True-Colors-A-Guide-to-Bi-Pride-Symbols
  25. https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/lgbt-symbols
  26. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z33yp4j
  27. https://www.liznania.com/early-work
  28. https://blog.flagwix.com/bi-flag/
  29. https://bi.org/en/articles/how-to-shine-on-your-terms-during-bi-visibility-dayweekmonth
  30. https://bi.org/es/articles/17-ways-for-lgbt-organizations-to-be-more-bi-inclusive
  31. https://lgbtqiacounseling.com/bisexual/bisexual-flag/
  32. https://bi.org/en/articles/robyn-ochs-being-out-is-activism
  33. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5378595/
  34. https://so.gay/everything-else/culture/everything-to-know-about-the-bi-pride-flag-yes-there-is-one/
  35. https://www.horniman.ac.uk/story/a-horniman-bisexual-flag/
  36. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2023/sep/marking-bisexual-visibility-day-2023-ucl
  37. https://www.washingtonblade.com/2014/11/13/new-study-finds-bisexuals-face-many-issues/
  38. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/multisexual-youth-mental-health-risk-and-protective-factors-for-bisexual-pansexual-and-queer-youth-who-are-attracted-to-more-than-one-gender/
  39. https://bicommunitynews.co.uk/flag/
  40. https://www.eiu.edu/lgbtqa/symbolism.php
  41. https://www.reddit.com/r/vexillology/comments/1bu979h/what_are_our_thoughts_on_the_new_biinclusive/
  42. https://www.quora.com/Why-isnt-the-bisexual-pride-flag-as-popular-as-the-rainbow-flag
  43. https://mashable.com/article/bisexual-pride-flag-emoji-rejected-by-unicode
  44. https://news.gallup.com/poll/656708/lgbtq-identification-rises.aspx
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