TL;DR: The nonbinary flag has four horizontal stripes: yellow, white, purple, and black, representing gender identities that exist outside the male/female binary. It is a widely recognized symbol of nonbinary identity, visibility, and gender diversity.
Gender exists on a spectrum far more complex than the traditional binary of male and female. For nonbinary people, those whose gender identity falls outside, between, or beyond this binary, having a visual symbol that represents their experience creates validation, community, and visibility. The nonbinary flag serves this purpose, providing a recognizable emblem that communicates existence and belonging.
Our Pride and LGBTQ Flags collection features the nonbinary flag alongside other identity flags, each representing important aspects of human diversity that deserve recognition and celebration.
4 Key Elements of the Nonbinary Flag
- Yellow Stripe - Represents gender that exists outside the binary, separate from male and female
- White Stripe - Symbolizes people who have many or all genders
- Purple Stripe - Represents people whose gender is a mix of male and female
- Black Stripe - Symbolizes people who have no gender or lack of gender
Together, these four stripes create a comprehensive symbol that acknowledges the diverse ways people experience gender beyond the traditional binary.
The Meaning Behind the Nonbinary Flag Colors
Yellow was chosen specifically because it is not associated with traditional gender colors (pink for female, blue for male), making it a neutral color that represents gender existing entirely outside the binary framework. This stripe acknowledges that some nonbinary people do not experience their gender as related to maleness or femaleness at all.
White, containing all colors of the visible spectrum, represents people who experience many or all genders, including pangender individuals who experience multiple genders simultaneously, genderfluid people whose gender shifts between identities, and multigender individuals who identify with more than one gender.
Purple, created by mixing pink (traditionally associated with female) and blue (traditionally associated with male), represents people whose gender is a combination or blend of masculine and feminine. This includes bigender individuals, androgyne people, and demigender individuals who partially identify with male or female.
Black, representing the absence of color, symbolizes people who experience a lack of gender or absence of gender identity, primarily agender and genderless individuals for whom gender simply is not a relevant or present aspect of their identity.
The History of the Nonbinary Flag
The nonbinary flag was created in February 2014 by Kye Rowan, a nonbinary teenager who was 17 years old at the time. Rowan designed the flag in response to a need for a symbol specifically representing nonbinary identities, distinct from other pride flags, and posted the design on Tumblr with an explanation of each color's symbolism. The flag spread rapidly on social media, appeared at pride events within months, and became widely recognized as the primary symbol of nonbinary identity by 2016.
The nonbinary flag exists within a broader ecosystem of gender identity flags. The genderqueer flag (lavender, white, and green) was created in 2011, before the nonbinary flag. The agender flag and the nonbinary flag were both created in 2014. The genderfluid flag, representing people whose gender identity changes over time, was created in 2012. The nonbinary flag is often used as an umbrella symbol that can represent all these identities, while specific flags allow for more precise identity expression.
Who the Nonbinary Flag Represents
"Nonbinary" functions as both a specific identity and an umbrella term encompassing various gender identities outside the male-female binary, including agender (no gender), bigender (two genders), genderfluid (changing gender), genderqueer (gender outside norms), demigender (partial gender identity), neutrois (neutral gender), androgyne (mix of male and female), pangender (many or all genders), and Two-Spirit (Indigenous North American gender identity). People who identify with any of these terms may use the nonbinary flag to represent their identity.
Many nonbinary people also identify as transgender, since transgender means identifying with a gender different from the one assigned at birth. However, not all nonbinary people use the transgender label, and not all transgender people are nonbinary. Some nonbinary individuals display both the nonbinary flag and the transgender flag, while others display only the nonbinary flag, reflecting personal preferences about how they conceptualize their identity.
Recognition of nonbinary identities is growing in legal and institutional contexts. A number of U.S. states now offer a third gender option (X) on driver's licenses and state IDs, and the federal government began issuing X-marker passports in 2022. Many employers, universities, and healthcare providers have updated their systems to accommodate nonbinary gender markers and chosen names. This expanding recognition reflects a broader cultural shift toward acknowledging that gender diversity is a normal part of human experience, and the nonbinary flag has played a role in making that identity visible enough to demand institutional response.
Why Nonbinary Visibility Matters
Nonbinary people have existed across cultures and throughout history, but mainstream Western culture has only recently developed language and symbols to represent these identities publicly. The nonbinary flag is part of a broader movement toward making gender diversity visible in everyday life, not just within LGBTQ+ spaces.
Visibility matters because it reduces isolation. Nonbinary young people who see their identity represented in flags, media, and public spaces are more likely to feel that their experience is valid and that they are not alone. Research consistently shows that LGBTQ+ youth who feel visible and supported have better mental health outcomes than those who do not. A flag displayed in a school counseling center, a workplace, or a community center communicates that nonbinary people are welcome and recognized in that space.
Visibility also creates the conditions for broader social change. When nonbinary identities become more visible, institutions are more likely to update their policies, forms, and systems to accommodate them. The growth of X-marker options on government IDs, the adoption of they/them pronouns in style guides, and the inclusion of nonbinary categories in demographic surveys all reflect a visibility shift that flags and symbols have helped drive.
Nonbinary Flag vs. Other Gender Identity Flags
| Flag | Colors | Represents | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonbinary Flag | Yellow, white, purple, black | All nonbinary identities (umbrella term) | Anyone identifying as any gender outside the binary |
| Transgender Flag | Light blue, pink, white | All transgender identities | Those identifying as a gender different from assigned at birth |
| Genderqueer Flag | Lavender, white, green | Genderqueer identities specifically | Those identifying specifically as genderqueer |
| Agender Flag | Black, gray, white, green | People without gender | Those identifying specifically as agender or genderless |
| Genderfluid Flag | Pink, white, purple, black, blue | People whose gender changes | Those whose gender identity shifts over time |
How to Display the Nonbinary Flag
The nonbinary flag can be displayed in a range of contexts. At home, many nonbinary people display the flag in bedrooms, living spaces, and offices as personal affirmations of identity and signals to visitors that the space is gender-inclusive. At pride events, the flag appears prominently at parades, festivals, and marches, creating visibility for nonbinary identities within broader LGBTQ+ celebrations. Schools, universities, and LGBTQ+-friendly businesses increasingly display nonbinary flags in counseling centers, gender-neutral bathrooms, and resource centers to signal inclusive spaces.
Our flag accessories collection includes mounting options including flagpoles, wall-mounting brackets, and desktop flag stands. For guidance on outdoor mounting and display, see our post on how to display a flag properly on your house or porch.
Respectful Display and Etiquette
Nonbinary individuals and people who identify with any identity under the nonbinary umbrella can display the flag to represent their own identity. Allies wanting to show support are generally better served by displaying the general rainbow pride flag or Progress Pride flag rather than specific identity flags like the nonbinary flag. Organizations and institutions can display nonbinary flags in specific contexts such as gender-neutral bathrooms or LGBTQ+ resource centers to signal inclusive spaces.
Before displaying a nonbinary flag, understand the meaning of each color stripe, the flag's history and creator, and what nonbinary identity means and encompasses. This knowledge ensures you can explain the flag's significance and demonstrate genuine respect. Consider context and safety: in some locations, displaying nonbinary flags may create safety risks, so prioritize personal safety while recognizing that visibility also creates change. Year-round display demonstrates more genuine commitment than display limited to Pride Month.
Flag Care and Maintenance
Hand wash in cold water with mild detergent, avoiding harsh chemicals that can fade the yellow, purple, and black colors. Air dry completely before storage or re-display. For outdoor display, polyester flags withstand weather well but should be brought in during severe weather. Store flags folded neatly in cool, dry locations away from direct sunlight to preserve color vibrancy. For a full guide on keeping flags in good condition, see our post on how to wash polyester flags.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the colors of the nonbinary flag mean?
Yellow represents gender outside the binary, white represents many or all genders, purple represents a mix of male and female, and black represents lack of gender or agender identity. Together, these colors encompass the diverse ways people experience nonbinary gender.
Who created the nonbinary flag and when?
The nonbinary flag was created by Kye Rowan, a 17-year-old nonbinary person, in February 2014. Rowan posted the design on Tumblr, and it quickly gained widespread adoption within nonbinary and LGBTQ+ communities.
Is the nonbinary flag the same as the genderqueer flag?
No, they are different flags. The genderqueer flag (lavender, white, green) was created in 2011, while the nonbinary flag (yellow, white, purple, black) was created in 2014. Some people use the terms interchangeably, but each flag has its own specific symbolism and history.
Can I display the nonbinary flag if I am not nonbinary?
Generally, specific identity flags like the nonbinary flag should be displayed by people who hold those identities. Allies wanting to show support should display the general rainbow pride flag or Progress Pride flag instead. Organizations can display nonbinary flags in specific contexts like gender-neutral bathrooms or LGBTQ+ resource centers.
Do all nonbinary people use they/them pronouns?
No. Nonbinary people use diverse pronouns including they/them, he/him, she/her, neopronouns, or combinations. Never assume someone's pronouns based on their gender identity; always ask and respect the pronouns people use for themselves.
Final Recommendations
The nonbinary flag represents a crucial aspect of gender diversity, providing visibility and validation for people whose identities exist outside the traditional male-female binary. If you are nonbinary, displaying the flag can be a powerful act of self-affirmation. Choose a display method that feels comfortable and safe for your situation, from small desktop flags in private spaces to larger flags making public statements.
For allies, educators, and organizations, the nonbinary flag serves as a reminder that gender is more complex than binary categories suggest. Creating truly inclusive spaces requires more than displaying flags; it demands ongoing commitment to respecting and accommodating diverse gender identities.
Browse our Pride and LGBTQ Flags collection for the full range of identity flags, or see our complete guide on pride and identity flags for broader context on what each flag represents and how to display them respectfully.
