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Daniel Quasar
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Daniel Quasar is an American artist and graphic designer, known for their[a] design of the Progress Pride flag, a variation of the rainbow pride flag that incorporates additional colors to explicitly represent trans people and LGBTQ+ people of color.
Key Information
Education and career
[edit]Quasar graduated with a BFA in Communication Design from Pacific Northwest College of Art. During the degree program, they were involved in the local drag community; their design career has since included animations and graphics for RuPaul's Drag Race world tours, as well as work with Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon.[2]
Flag design
[edit]
History
[edit]In 2018, Quasar re-designed the existing rainbow flag to incorporate the transgender flag, as well as black and brown stripes to represent LGBTQ+ people of color, with the black stripe having an additional meaning for "those living with AIDS, those no longer living, and the stigma surrounding them".[3][4][5][6] The additional colors were added in a chevron shape along the hoist to represent forward movement.[3] They began a crowdfunding campaign to fund the first production of the flags.[6] In 2021, Deliveroo adopted the progress pride flag for Pride Month.[7] The flag has been flown in many international cities above official buildings, including New York City, London, Boston, and Sydney.[8]
Criticism
[edit]In 2022 anonymous flyers were posted in the Castro district o San Francisco, which claimed that the flag had been made without consent of the LGBTQ community and for the purpose of profit.[9] Quasar responded to these claims in an article by ABC7News by stating "The information is false and anything you need to know about the Progress Flag and its use is clear and explicit on my website."[9] The Terms of Use section on Quasar's website describes its use as follows: "For any use that involves art-making that isn’t being sold, or any non-commercial use, there is a CC BY-NC-SA license on the design."[10] Commercial use is allowed for small businesses or creators, but for large and corporate-level business and creators, the website suggests reaching out through email for further discussion.[10]
Personal life
[edit]As of 2021, Quasar resided in Portland, Oregon.[11]
Notes
[edit]- ^ Quasar is non-binary and uses xe/xem or they/them pronouns. This article uses they/them for consistency.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ Daniel Quasar [@danielquasar] (October 22, 2020). "My name is Daniel Quasar. My pronouns are xe/xem or they/them (if it makes it easier) and I'm non-binary. I don't think I'm any one gender and never have. #InternationalPronounsDay #ImLate" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 12, 2025 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Rainbow Flag Refresh: An Interview With Daniel Quasar, The Designer Behind "Progress: A Pride Flag Reboot"". RISE Life Science. June 29, 2018. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
- ^ a b "Progress Pride Flag Initiative: Office of Equity – Northwestern University". www.northwestern.edu. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
- ^ Queerstory: An Infographic History of the Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights. Simon and Schuster. October 6, 2020. ISBN 978-1-9821-4237-7.
- ^ Rossi, Andrea (September 1, 2020). "The rainbow flag between protection and monopolization: iconic heroine or damsel in distress?". Journal of Intellectual Property Law & Practice. 15 (9): 727–737. doi:10.1093/jiplp/jpaa107. ISSN 1747-1532.
- ^ a b Bollinger, Alex (June 8, 2018). "Could this new more inclusive flag replace the rainbow flag?". LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
- ^ Briggs, Fiona. "Deliveroo launches rider pronoun bags by Daniel Quasar to help fly the flag for World Pride Month". Retail Times. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
- ^ Magaletti, Douglas (September 22, 2021). "City of Sydney Votes to Replace Rainbow Flag with Progress Pride Flag". Star Observer. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
- ^ a b Melendez, Lyanne. "Mysterious flyers asking to boycott Progress Pride Flag posted around SF's Castro District". ABC News (United States).
- ^ a b Quasar, Daniel. "Terms of Use". Progress Initiative.
- ^ Ettlin, Galen (February 7, 2021). "Portland creator of Progress Pride Flag pushes LGBTQ culture, movement forward". KGW8. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
External links
[edit]
Daniel Quasar
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background
Early Life and Education
Daniel Quasar was born in the mid-1980s in Kentucky.[3] A few years after birth, Quasar's family relocated across the country to Portland, Oregon, where they resided through most of the 1990s before moving to nearby Gresham for middle and high school years.[3] Quasar developed an early interest in creative pursuits, engaging in freelance work to hone design skills during formative years.[3] They later enrolled at the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design from 2011 to 2014.[4][5] While at the institution, Quasar participated in student organizations including the Queer Union, Anime Club, and held a leadership role in student council.[4]Entry into Graphic Design
Quasar, born in the mid-1980s in Kentucky, relocated with their family to Portland, Oregon, during early childhood and has resided there for most of their life.[4] They pursued formal training in the arts, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) in 2014.[6] Following graduation, Quasar entered the graphic design profession as a freelancer and contract designer, establishing Designs by Daniel Quasar as a small business focused on client commissions.[3] [4] Their early professional roles included multiple contract positions in graphic design, alongside creative direction responsibilities, building a portfolio that spans illustration, animation, motion graphics, and multimedia projects.[4] Operating from Portland, Quasar's freelance practice emphasized versatile skills tailored to diverse client needs, from print and digital media to experimental formats, prior to gaining wider recognition for symbolic designs.[3] This entry aligned with Portland's creative ecosystem, where Quasar leveraged local networks for initial opportunities in design and related arts.[7]Creation of the Progress Pride Flag
Design Inspiration and Process
Daniel Quasar, a Portland-based graphic designer identifying as non-binary, conceived the Progress Pride Flag in June 2018 during an insomnia-driven creative session at 2 a.m..[8] Quasar produced over 14 design iterations, refining the concept after receiving feedback from a friend, ultimately favoring the initial chevron-based layout for its emphasis on progression..[8] The design process drew inspiration from recent flag variations addressing underrepresented groups within the LGBTQ+ community, including Philadelphia's 2017 addition of black and brown stripes for people of color and Seattle's 2018 incorporation of transgender stripes..[8] Quasar sought to amplify these elements by integrating them into Gilbert Baker's 1978 six-color rainbow flag, appending a five-striped chevron to the hoist side: black and brown for marginalized communities of color and those affected by the AIDS crisis, and light blue, pink, and white from Monica Helms' 1999 Transgender Pride Flag..[9][1] The chevron's arrow shape, pointing rightward, symbolizes forward momentum and the imperative for continued inclusivity, as Quasar explained: "We still have forward movement to make. There still is work to be done."[9] Quasar posted the design on social media on June 6, 2018, where it rapidly gained traction, prompting a Kickstarter campaign that raised $25,802 from 508 backers to produce physical flags and merchandise..[1] The flag was released under a Creative Commons license permitting non-commercial use, facilitating its widespread adaptation while retaining focus on communal progress over commercialization..[1]Symbolic Elements
The Progress Pride Flag retains the six horizontal stripes of the original rainbow flag—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet—which collectively symbolize the diversity of sexual orientations within the LGBTQ+ community.[9] These colors form the background, maintaining continuity with Gilbert Baker's 1978 design while integrating new elements for expanded representation.[8] Overlaid on the left hoist side is a five-striped chevron shaped like an arrow pointing rightward. The outermost stripes are black and brown, intended to represent LGBTQ+ individuals of color who have historically faced marginalization within the community, with the black stripe additionally honoring those lost to HIV/AIDS and those living with the condition.[8][10][11] Adjacent to these are light blue, rose pink, and white stripes, incorporated from Monica Helms' 1999 Transgender Pride Flag to signify transgender people, with light blue and pink representing traditional colors associated with baby boys and girls, and white denoting those who are transitioning or intersex, though the design emphasizes gender diversity broadly.[8][2] The chevron's arrow form directs attention to these added stripes, symbolizing forward momentum in achieving intersectional equality and underscoring the ongoing need for inclusion of underrepresented groups. Quasar described the placement and shape as highlighting "progress made to date and work still to be done."[8][12] This configuration draws from the 2017 Philadelphia "More Color More Pride" flag for the racial stripes and Helms' trans flag, adapting them into a unified progressive motif.[8][13]Initial Release in 2018
Daniel Quasar publicly released the Progress Pride Flag on June 6, 2018, via posts on social media during Pride Month.[1][9] The design emerged from an insomnia-fueled creative session aimed at integrating representations of transgender individuals and people of color into the traditional rainbow flag through a chevron overlay.[2] Overnight, the initial sharing achieved viral status, amassing thousands of shares and views that propelled early awareness within online LGBTQ+ circles.[1] In response to the rapid uptake, Quasar initiated a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign shortly thereafter to produce and distribute physical versions of the flag, raising funds for merchandise and further dissemination.[2]Adoption and Mainstream Recognition
Spread Within LGBTQ+ Communities
The Progress Pride Flag, unveiled by Daniel Quasar on June 12, 2018, initially circulated through social media platforms within subsets of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly among transgender activists and individuals from communities of color seeking greater visibility for marginalized groups.[9][14] This early dissemination was fueled by the design's explicit incorporation of transgender flag colors (light blue, pink, and white) alongside black and brown stripes, which resonated with calls for intersectional inclusion building on prior variants like the 2017 Philadelphia Pride Flag.[8] Quasar reported an immediate surge in digital shares and requests for printable or physical versions, overwhelming their personal communications and indicating grassroots enthusiasm from online LGBTQ+ networks.[8] By late 2018, the flag appeared at local Pride events, such as those in Seattle, where it was displayed alongside traditional rainbow flags and other inclusive variants, reflecting a pluralistic approach to symbolism rather than uniform replacement.[8] Its adoption accelerated in 2019–2020 through community-led initiatives and marches, with transgender and racial minority-focused groups prominently featuring it to emphasize ongoing "progress" toward equity.[14][1] The design's viral momentum within these circles was amplified by its alignment with activism addressing disparities, though it coexisted with established flags, underscoring the community's diverse symbolic preferences.[8] Subsequent years saw broader integration into LGBTQ+ organizational resources and events, including youth support groups like The Trevor Project, which highlighted the flag in discussions of mental health and history, further embedding it in educational and advocacy contexts.[8] By 2021, it had become a common sight at U.S. Pride gatherings, carried by participants advocating for transgender rights and racial justice, though its prominence varied by locale and subgroup, with some traditionalists preferring the original rainbow design.[1] This organic spread, driven by digital advocacy rather than top-down mandates, positioned the flag as a marker of evolving priorities within the community, albeit one subject to debate over representation and dilution of core symbolism.[14]Institutional and Corporate Embrace
The Progress Pride Flag experienced notable uptake by select municipalities and federal entities in the years following its 2018 introduction. In June 2023, the White House displayed the flag during a Pride Month event hosted by President Joe Biden, positioning it alongside U.S. flags on the South Lawn, which drew criticism for allegedly violating flag code protocols that prioritize the national ensign.[15][16] Cities also integrated it into official displays; for instance, Chicago raised the flag at City Hall on June 3, 2024, to mark Pride Month, emphasizing representation of marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community.[17] By 2025, several localities formalized its status amid state-level restrictions on non-official flags. Salt Lake City adopted the Progress Pride Flag—alongside a transgender pride variant—as an official emblem on May 7, 2025, to circumvent Utah's prohibition on flying unauthorized banners at government buildings.[18] Similarly, West Hollywood amended its flag policy in 2022 to incorporate the design, replacing a prior variant and permitting its display at civic sites. Verona, Wisconsin, passed a resolution on December 12, 2024, authorizing the flag's daily flight at designated city locations throughout 2025.[19][20] Corporate adoption has been more episodic, often tied to annual Pride campaigns rather than permanent policy. Automotive manufacturer Volvo Group highlighted the flag in a June 2021 internal resource explaining LGBTQ+ symbols, positioning it as an evolution emphasizing inclusion of transgender and people of color communities.[21] Advocacy organizations like the Human Rights Campaign referenced it in 2021 as the "most up-to-date" pride symbol, influencing its visibility in corporate allyship efforts.[22] However, broader corporate usage has fluctuated, with some firms incorporating the design into temporary branding during Pride Month in the early 2020s before scaling back amid cultural and political pushback by 2025.[23]Global Usage and Variations
The Progress Pride Flag, designed by Daniel Quasar in 2018, has gained traction internationally, appearing at Pride events, in corporate initiatives, and among activists without centralized orchestration. By 2020, its adoption accelerated globally, with Pride organizations and brands in Europe, North America, and beyond integrating it to symbolize expanded inclusivity for transgender individuals and people of color within LGBTQ+ communities.[14] In Europe, the flag has been referenced by the European Union's External Action Service as a key symbol of LGBTQ+ struggles and visibility.[24] The United Kingdom's Victoria and Albert Museum has highlighted it in exhibits on evolving LGBTQ+ symbolism, underscoring its cultural integration.[1] Similar usage extends to Canada, where institutions like Women's College Hospital in Toronto have promoted it during awareness campaigns.[10] Variations on Quasar's design have proliferated to address additional marginalized groups. In June 2021, Valentino Vecchietti of Intersex Equality Rights UK released the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag, embedding the intersex flag's yellow field and purple circle within the chevron to represent intersex experiences.[25] This iteration quickly achieved viral global dissemination, with organizations welcoming it as an enhanced standard for comprehensive representation.[26] Multinational entities, such as the Volvo Group, have incorporated this version in their diversity communications.[21] While regional adaptations remain limited compared to the original rainbow flag's national variants, the Progress lineage emphasizes iterative inclusivity, with the intersex-inclusive model becoming a de facto international update by the early 2020s.[22] These evolutions reflect ongoing debates within global LGBTQ+ circles about balancing tradition with representation of underrepresented subgroups.[27]Criticisms and Controversies
Aesthetic and Traditionalist Objections
Critics of the Progress Pride Flag have raised aesthetic concerns, contending that its design introduces visual clutter through the overlaid chevron, which disrupts the clean, horizontal stripes of the original 1978 Gilbert Baker rainbow flag. This addition, incorporating black, brown, white, pink, and light blue stripes to represent marginalized groups, is often described as creating a "monstrosity" that overwhelms the eye and lacks the harmonious balance of the simpler predecessor.[28][29] Vexillological standards, which emphasize simplicity and recognizability in flag design, are cited as undermined by the flag's complexity, rendering it less effective for distant viewing or mass production compared to the original's streamlined form.[29] Traditionalist objections center on the flag's departure from the original's focused symbolism of gay liberation, arguing that Quasar's 2018 iteration implies an ahistorical exclusion of trans individuals and people of color in the Baker design, despite its broad intent from inception. Groups such as the Northamptonshire Lesbian Society have rejected it as a patchwork of existing elements from other flags, asserting it dilutes the purity and universality of the rainbow as a standalone emblem of sexual orientation-based pride without necessitating "progressive" overlays.[30] Within LGBTQ+ circles, some gay traditionalists view the design as an unnecessary evolution that prioritizes intersectional expansions over the core message of the 1970s movement, potentially fragmenting communal identity in favor of layered ideologies.[28] These critics maintain that the original flag's enduring appeal lies in its minimalism and lack of prescriptive addenda, preserving a neutral canvas for ongoing interpretation rather than embedding specific contemporary demands.[31]Ideological and Community Divisions
The adoption of the Progress Pride Flag has sparked ideological tensions within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly between those advocating for expansive inclusivity encompassing racial minorities, transgender individuals, and people living with HIV/AIDS, and traditionalists who prioritize the original rainbow flag's focus on gay and lesbian liberation from the 1970s. Critics from within the community, such as members of gender-critical lesbian groups, argue that the flag's incorporation of transgender symbols advances a contested ideology that conflates gender identity with sexual orientation, potentially marginalizing same-sex attracted individuals and reinforcing what they view as misogynistic erasure of biological sex distinctions.[30][32] Community divisions manifested visibly in San Francisco's Castro District in July 2022, where anonymous flyers urged a boycott of the Progress Pride Flag, claiming it sowed discord by supplanting the unifying 1978 rainbow flag that had symbolized broad solidarity without hierarchical additions. Local LGBTQ+ residents and activists debated replacing street rainbow flags with the Progress version, with opponents decrying it as visually cluttered and ideologically loaded, arguing it implied the original was insufficiently "progressive" and risked alienating core gay and lesbian constituencies in favor of newer activist priorities.[33][34] Further rifts emerged over perceptions of the flag as a politicized emblem of broader left-wing agendas, with some gay individuals contending that its "progress" arrow and chevron elements transform a symbol of sexual minority rights into one endorsing intersectional demands that overshadow historical gay-specific struggles against discrimination. In Dallas and other locales, community discussions highlighted resentment that the flag's emphasis on transgender and racial inclusivity dilutes the rainbow's universal appeal, fostering subgroups rather than cohesion, as evidenced by online forums and local Pride event disputes where traditionalists refused its display.[28][35][36] These debates underscore a broader ideological schism, where proponents like designer Daniel Quasar frame the flag as advancing equity for underrepresented groups, while detractors, including some long-term activists, assert it enforces conformity to evolving orthodoxies, such as mandatory transgender affirmation, at the expense of dissenting voices within the community itself. Such divisions have led to parallel flag usages at events, with holdouts for the original rainbow citing its proven endurance through decades of activism without the need for iterative "updates" that risk obsolescence or backlash.[37][8]Copyright, Licensing, and Commercialization Debates
Daniel Quasar holds the copyright to the Progress Pride flag design, which was released in June 2018 under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0).[38][39] This license permits non-commercial sharing, adaptation, and distribution with attribution and the requirement to apply the same license to derivatives, but explicitly prohibits commercial use without Quasar's explicit permission.[40][41] The non-commercial restriction has fueled debates over access, control, and equity within LGBTQ+ communities, contrasting with the original 1978 rainbow flag by Gilbert Baker, which entered the public domain after his death in 2017 and faces no such limitations.[40] Critics, including some activist groups, argue that the licensing transforms a communal symbol into a proprietary one, enabling selective commercialization while restricting grassroots reproduction and potentially prioritizing corporate partnerships over broad, unrestricted adoption.[30] For instance, the Northamptonshire Lesbian Society stated in 2023 that Quasar's copyright prevents legal reproduction without permission, framing it as a "commercial product" that facilitates corporate branding but hinders independent use.[30] Proponents of the licensing, including Quasar, emphasize artist compensation and quality control, noting that official licensees—such as Flags For Good—produce and sell authorized merchandise, with proceeds supporting related initiatives.[42][43] The Copyright Alliance highlighted in 2023 that this model addresses undercompensation for creators in Pride symbolism, allowing Quasar to derive income from commercial applications like apparel and flags while maintaining non-commercial free use for advocacy.[43] However, online discussions, such as a 2024 Reddit thread, have questioned the enforceability and intent, with users debating whether permission requirements unduly gatekeep a flag intended for progressive representation.[44] No trademark registration for the Progress Pride flag or its name has been publicly documented, limiting protections to copyright rather than branding exclusivity.[2] These arrangements have not led to major litigation as of 2025, but they underscore tensions between artistic rights, communal symbolism, and market dynamics in evolving Pride iconography.[43]Other Works and Projects
Musical Career
Daniel Quasar began producing electronic music in 2006, initially experimenting through self-directed tinkering without formal training.[45] Their style features synth-infused compositions that blend disparate genres into cohesive tracks, often incorporating cosmic soundscapes and boundary-pushing elements.[46] Based in Portland, Oregon, Quasar has released music via platforms such as Bandcamp and Spotify, where they maintain around 664 monthly listeners as of recent data.[47] [48] Quasar's discography includes albums like Memories of a Future Never Came (2025) and Waves, alongside singles and EPs such as transit and transform.[47] [45] Notable tracks encompass "Butterfly Fields," "Be Alone Tonight," and "Dreams of a Future Never Came + I Dream in What Ifs," the latter released as a full mix on October 3, 2025.[49] Their work is distributed through RetroSynth Records, emphasizing innovative electronic production.[50] Quasar has produced official music videos for tracks including "transmit" and "Wild Abandon," available on YouTube, and occasionally collaborates on live performances, such as synth-infused sets with artists like Alex Lightspeed and Dream Commander.[51] [52] Influences include Japanese music, which informs their unstructured approach to keys and composition.[45] Music remains a parallel pursuit to Quasar's design work, with releases shared via dedicated Instagram (@danielquasar.music) and SoundCloud profiles.[53] [49]Product Collaborations
Quasar collaborated with footwear brand Dr. Martens to feature the Progress Pride flag on their 1461 For Pride Leather Shoes, released as part of the company's annual Pride collection; the design was emblazoned across the smooth white leather uppers, with the monochromatic base amplifying the flag's colors.[54][12] In June 2024, Quasar partnered with Wizards of the Coast and dice manufacturer Sirius Dice to create a limited-edition Progress Pride dice set for Dungeons & Dragons, incorporating the flag's chevron elements into custom polyhedral dice for tabletop gaming enthusiasts seeking inclusive accessories.[55] Through the Progress Initiative, Quasar licenses the flag design under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License for non-commercial use, while requiring permissions for commercial products; official licensees include Flags for Good, which produces durable garden and parade flags, and Bench Pressed Letterpress, which offers handcrafted versions emphasizing artist compensation.[38][42][56] A portion of proceeds from Progress Initiative merchandise sales, such as apparel and pins featuring the design, supports LGBTQ+ organizations.[2]Recent Developments (2024–2025)
In June 2024, Quasar collaborated with Hasbro's Wizards of the Coast and Sirius Dice to design and launch the official Dungeons & Dragons Progress Pride Dice Set, marking the company's first such Pride-themed product; the set features seven polyhedral dice in clear resin with rainbow-etched numbers and an embedded mini Progress Pride flag, priced at $19.99 with $5 per sale donated to The Trevor Project.[57][58] Quasar also delivered a presentation at Wizards of the Coast's headquarters during their internal Pride employee event to discuss the design process and symbolism.[59] On July 25, 2025, Quasar released the electronic music album Memories of a Future Never Came via independent label RetroSynth Records, comprising eight tracks blending synth-pop, nostalgic instrumentals, and vocals including a feature by Sarah Sekoa on "You & I"; the album explores themes of unfulfilled futures and retro-futurism, available on platforms like Bandcamp, Apple Music, and Spotify.[60][61] In an August 5, 2025, interview with Vehlinggo, Quasar described the record as reflecting "projects that didn't pan out" and personal nostalgia, emphasizing its catchy electronic production over the designer's more widely recognized visual work.[45] Quasar's Progress Initiative continued nonprofit donations from flag merchandise sales, reaching a cumulative $23,500 by December 2024 across beneficiaries including SMYRC, Trans Lifeline, and The Trevor Project, though no major updates to the flag design or licensing were announced in this period.[2]Impact and Legacy
Influence on Pride Symbolism
Daniel Quasar's Progress Pride flag, introduced in June 2018, expanded the traditional rainbow flag by incorporating a chevron of black, brown, light blue, pink, and white stripes to represent marginalized communities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, including people of color and transgender individuals.[9] This design drew from the 2017 Philadelphia Pride flag's addition of black and brown stripes for racial inclusion and the Trans Pride flag's colors, positioning the elements as an arrow to symbolize forward momentum toward greater equity.[1] Quasar aimed to highlight ongoing struggles against racism, sexism, and transphobia, thereby reorienting Pride symbolism from historical liberation to contemporary intersectional progress.[11] The flag's adoption accelerated following its 2018 debut, with organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign and various Pride events integrating it into merchandise, signage, and digital campaigns by 2020, amid heightened focus on Black Lives Matter and transgender rights.[14] Its use by institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum in educational contexts underscores its role in institutionalizing a narrative of evolving inclusivity within Pride iconography.[1] By emphasizing underrepresented groups, the design influenced a shift in visual rhetoric, prompting debates on symbolism that prioritize systemic inequities over the original flag's broader unity theme.[62] In subsequent years, the Progress Pride flag appeared in official capacities, such as city hall displays and corporate branding during Pride Month, contributing to its status as a marker of "progressive" alignment in LGBTQ+ advocacy. This evolution has led to hybrid usages and further variants, reinforcing a layered symbolism that layers identity-specific representations atop the rainbow's foundational diversity.[63] However, its prominence remains contested, with adoption varying by region and subgroup, reflecting broader tensions in how Pride symbols balance historical roots with modern demands for specificity.[14]Broader Cultural and Social Effects
The Progress Pride flag, introduced by Daniel Quasar in 2018, has seen widespread adoption across public institutions, corporations, and international Pride events, serving as a visual marker for intersectional approaches to diversity that emphasize marginalized subgroups within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, including people of color, transgender individuals, and those affected by HIV/AIDS.[1] This integration into mainstream symbolism, such as in healthcare facilities and educational settings, signals institutional commitments to addressing intra-community inequities, with organizations like Women's College Hospital citing its use as a deliberate acknowledgment of overlooked identities to foster equity.[10] By 2021, the flag had achieved global recognition as a "universal icon," reflecting a cultural shift toward layered representations of identity in public discourse.[64] Its prominence has influenced broader conversations on inclusivity, prompting variants like the intersex-inclusive version released in 2021 by Intersex Equality Rights UK, which further expands the chevron design to incorporate additional symbols for underrepresented groups.[37] This evolution underscores a societal trend in activist circles toward iterative symbolism that prioritizes ongoing "progress" over static unity, as evidenced by its role in highlighting racism within urban gay districts, originating from the 2017 Philadelphia flag iteration.[65] However, such adaptations have not universally enhanced cohesion; instead, they have amplified debates on whether expanded flags adequately represent all community members or inadvertently fragment shared heritage by overlaying contemporary political priorities.[37] Socially, the flag's dissemination has coincided with heightened tensions over representation, with some lesbian and gender-critical groups rejecting it for perceived overemphasis on transgender and racial elements at the expense of sex-based advocacy, leading to parallel symbolisms and reduced uptake in certain subgroups.[30] This has contributed to broader cultural polarization, where the flag's chevron—intended to propel forward momentum—has been critiqued for embedding ideological directives that alienate traditionalists and provoke backlash against perceived erasure of foundational gay and lesbian struggles.[37] Despite these divisions, its persistence in policy resolutions, such as school district adoptions by 2025, illustrates enduring influence on institutional signaling of progressive values amid ongoing contestation.[66]Ongoing Debates and Future Prospects
Critics within the LGBTQ community continue to debate the Progress Pride flag's design and representational efficacy, with some gay individuals describing it as an "aesthetic and design monstrosity" that fails to honor the original rainbow flag's unifying symbolism for sexual orientation.[28] Others argue it elevates transgender and people of color identities at the expense of core lesbian and gay experiences, potentially exacerbating internal divisions rather than fostering cohesion.[32] These objections highlight tensions over whether iterative flag redesigns advance inclusivity or fragment shared history, as evidenced by preferences for the simpler 1978 Gilbert Baker rainbow in community forums and opinion pieces.[67] Licensing terms have also sparked ongoing contention, with detractors labeling the flag a "profit flag" due to requirements for attribution and restrictions on commercial use without permission, prompting calls to abandon it in favor of unrestricted alternatives.[68][43] Quasar maintains that such measures protect the design's intent, but the controversy persists, influencing adoption in grassroots versus institutional settings.[8] Looking ahead, the flag's evolution suggests no fixed endpoint, as subsequent variants like the 2021 intersex-inclusive version—adding a yellow stripe with a purple circle—demonstrate responsiveness to additional marginalized groups.[22] Quasar's 2025 "From Progress to Beyond" bus design, unveiled on July 19, indicates potential for further refinements emphasizing forward momentum beyond current iterations.[69] The Progress Initiative, established to propagate the flag's message of continual advancement, positions these developments as part of a broader movement, though sustained community buy-in remains uncertain amid debates over symbolism's stability.[2] If patterns hold, future prospects may involve balancing calls for expansion with demands for simplicity, shaped by empirical shifts in advocacy priorities rather than prescriptive ideals.[70]References
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LGBTQ%252B_rainbow_flag_Quasar_%2522Progress%2522_variant.svg