The lesbian flag is more than just a colorful design — it’s a powerful symbol of identity, pride, and community for lesbians around the world. Over time, different versions of the flag have appeared, each reflecting the diversity and evolution of lesbian experiences. From the Labrys flag of the 1970s to the modern Sunset lesbian pride flag, these designs tell stories of strength, visibility, and inclusivity.
This guide explores the meaning behind the lesbian pride flag, why there are two main versions, and how the flag continues to shape lesbian pride today.
Table of Contents
What Is the Lesbian Flag?
The lesbian flag is a symbol created to represent lesbians specifically within the LGBTQ+ community. While the rainbow pride flag 🏳️🌈 represents LGBTQ+ people as a whole, the lesbian flag history gives visibility to lesbian identity.
It is commonly used in pride parades, on social media, and in LGBTQ+ merchandise, celebrating the community’s resilience and diversity.
Why Are There Two Lesbian Flags?
There are two main versions of the lipstick lesbian flag:
- Lipstick Lesbian Flag (2010)
- Featured shades of pink, white, and red with a lipstick kiss mark.
- Aimed to highlight femme lesbians.
- Criticized for excluding butch and non-feminine lesbians.
- Sunset Lesbian Flag (2018)
- Created by Emily Gwen on Tumblr.
- Designed with seven stripes in orange, white, and pink shades.
- Welcomed for being more inclusive and community-driven.
👉 The reason there are two flags is that the original lipstick version lacked inclusivity, leading the community to embrace the Sunset Flag as the most widely accepted design.
The Meaning Behind the Lesbian Flag Colors
The most popular version of the lipstick lesbian flag is the Sunset lesbian flag, which features seven horizontal stripes. Each stripe has a symbolic meaning:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dark Orange | Gender non-conformity |
| Light Orange | Independence |
| White | Unique relationships to womanhood |
| Light Pink | Serenity and peace |
| Dark Pink | Femininity |
A simplified five-stripe version also exists, using the same symbolic colors but in a cleaner design. Both are common online and in pride events.
What Are the 5 Colors of the Lesbian Flag?
Many people use a simplified 5-stripe version of the Sunset Flag. The five colors represent:
- Dark Orange → Gender non-conformity
- Orange → Independence
- White → Unique womanhood
- Pink → Love and peace
- Dark Pink → Femininity
This shorter version is popular on social media because it’s easier to draw, print, and recognize.
What Does 🏳️🌈 Stand For?
The rainbow flag 🏳️🌈 is the global LGBTQ+ pride flag. Designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, each color represents a value:
- Red = Life
- Orange = Healing
- Yellow = Sunlight
- Green = Nature
- Blue = Harmony
- Purple = Spirit
While the rainbow flag symbolizes the entire LGBTQ+ community, the lipstick lesbian flag specifically represents lesbians and their unique identities.
What Is the 70s Lesbian Flag?
The Labrys Lesbian Flag from the 1970s was one of the earliest attempts to create a lesbian symbol.
It featured:
- A violet background.
- A black inverted triangle.
- A white labrys (double-headed axe).
This design symbolized resistance, strength, and empowerment. Although less commonly used today, it remains important as a historical representation of lesbian pride.
History and Evolution of Lesbian Flags
Labrys Lesbian Flag (1970s)
- Designed by Sean Campbell.
- Used the labrys axe, a symbol tied to Amazonian warriors.
- Represented strength and resistance.
Lipstick Lesbian Flag (2010)
- Aimed at celebrating femme lesbians.
- Criticized for being too exclusive.
Sunset lesbian flag (2018)
- Created by Emily Gwen.
- Emphasized inclusivity across butch, femme, trans, and nonbinary lesbians.
- Widely adopted as the modern lesbian pride flag.
Who Uses the lesbian pride flag Today?
The Sunset Lesbian Flag is now the most popular version. It is embraced across the community by butch lesbians, femme lesbians, nonbinary lesbians, and trans lesbians alike.
It appears in pride events, online spaces, and LGBTQ+ fashion, serving as a unifying symbol of visibility and inclusivity.
FAQs About the Lesbian Flag
Is there an official lesbian flag?
No. Unlike the rainbow flag, no lesbian pride flag is officially recognized. However, the Sunset Flag is the most widely accepted.
Why is the lipstick lesbian flag controversial?
It excluded butch and non-feminine lesbians, which led to backlash from the community.
How many stripes are on the lesbian pride flag?
The Sunset version has seven, while the simplified one has five.
Can butch and femme lesbians share the same flag?
Yes. The Sunset Flag was designed to include all lesbian identities.
The Lesbian Flag in Today’s Culture
Today, the lesbian pride flag is an important part of LGBTQ+ pride celebrations, online culture, and queer merchandise. Its evolution shows how the lesbian community continues to strive for inclusivity and representation.
As discussions about symbols evolve, the lesbian pride flag will remain a strong emblem of visibility, unity, and pride.
Conclusion
From the Labrys Flag of the 1970s to the modern Sunset Flag of today, the lesbian pride flag has carried deep symbolism and meaning. Each version tells part of the lesbian story, but the Sunset Flag remains the most embraced design in 2025.
👉 Want to learn more about LGBTQ+ symbols? Check out more guides on oklesbian.com.