TL;DR: The nonbinary flag has four horizontal stripes—yellow, white, purple, and black—representing gender identities that exist outside the male/female binary. Created by Kye Rowan in 2014, it’s 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 says "you exist, you're valid, and you're not alone."
Understanding the nonbinary flag (sometimes written as non-binary)—its colors, symbolism, history, and proper use—helps create more inclusive spaces and demonstrates respect for the diverse ways people experience and express gender. Our Pride & 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, making the nonbinary flag inclusive of multiple gender identities and experiences.
The Meaning Behind the Nonbinary Flag Colors
Each color in the nonbinary flag carries specific symbolic meaning, carefully chosen to represent different aspects of nonbinary gender experience.
Yellow: Gender Outside the Binary
The yellow stripe represents gender that exists completely outside the male-female binary. Yellow was chosen specifically because it's not associated with traditional gender colors (pink for female, blue for male), making it a neutral color that represents something entirely separate from the binary system.
This stripe acknowledges that some nonbinary people don't experience their gender as related to maleness or femaleness at all—their gender exists in its own category, independent of the binary framework.
White: Many or All Genders
White, containing all colors of the visible spectrum, represents people who experience many or all genders. This includes:
- Pangender individuals: People who experience multiple genders simultaneously
- Genderfluid people: Those whose gender shifts between different identities
- Multigender individuals: People who identify with more than one gender
The white stripe acknowledges that gender diversity includes not just alternatives to male and female, but also combinations and multiplicities of gender experiences.
Purple: Mix of Male and Female
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: People who experience two genders
- Androgyne people: Those who identify as a mix of male and female
- Demigender individuals: People who partially identify with male or female
The purple stripe recognizes that some nonbinary people do relate to the concepts of male and female, but experience them simultaneously or in combination rather than exclusively.
Black: Lack of Gender
Black, representing the absence of color, symbolizes people who experience a lack of gender or absence of gender identity. This primarily represents:
- Agender individuals: People who don't identify with any gender
- Genderless people: Those who experience an absence of gender
- Gender-neutral individuals: People who identify as having no gender
The black stripe acknowledges that for some people, gender simply isn't a relevant or present aspect of their identity—they exist without gender rather than with an alternative gender.
The History of the Nonbinary Flag
The nonbinary flag has a relatively recent but significant history within LGBTQ+ pride movements.
Creation by Kye Rowan (2014)
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.
Rowan posted the design on their Tumblr blog, explaining the symbolism behind each color stripe. The flag quickly gained traction within nonbinary and genderqueer communities, spreading across social media and appearing at pride events within months of its creation.
Rapid Adoption and Recognition
Unlike some pride flags that took years to gain widespread recognition, the nonbinary flag achieved relatively quick adoption:
- 2014-2015: The flag spread rapidly on social media platforms, particularly Tumblr and Twitter
- 2015-2016: Pride events began featuring the nonbinary flag alongside other LGBTQ+ flags
- 2016-present: The flag became widely recognized as the primary symbol of nonbinary identity
This rapid adoption reflects both the power of social media in spreading LGBTQ+ symbols and the genuine need for a specific nonbinary flag that the community had been experiencing.
Relationship to Other Gender Identity Flags
The nonbinary flag exists within a broader ecosystem of gender identity flags:
Genderqueer flag (2011): Created before the nonbinary flag, featuring lavender, white, and green stripes. Some people use "genderqueer" and "nonbinary" interchangeably, while others see them as distinct identities.
Agender flag (2014): Created the same year as the nonbinary flag, specifically representing people without gender.
Genderfluid flag (2012): Represents people whose gender identity changes over time.
The nonbinary flag is often used as an umbrella symbol that can represent all these identities and more, while specific flags allow for more precise identity expression.
Who the Nonbinary Flag Represents
The nonbinary flag represents a diverse range of gender identities and experiences.
Nonbinary as an Umbrella Term
"Nonbinary" functions as both a specific identity and an umbrella term encompassing various gender identities outside the male-female binary:
- 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)
- Two-Spirit (Indigenous North American gender identity)
People who identify with any of these terms may use the nonbinary flag to represent their identity, as it was designed to be inclusive of diverse nonbinary experiences.
Nonbinary and Transgender 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.
Cultural and Global Perspectives
While the nonbinary flag originated in Western LGBTQ+ communities, nonbinary and third-gender identities exist across many cultures:
- Hijra (South Asia): Recognized third gender in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
- Fa'afafine (Samoa): Third gender in Samoan culture
- Muxe (Mexico): Third gender in Zapotec culture
- Two-Spirit (North America): Indigenous gender identity encompassing various nonbinary roles
The nonbinary flag has been adopted by some people in these communities, though many also maintain culturally specific symbols and identities.
How to Display the Nonbinary Flag
The nonbinary flag can be displayed in various contexts, each serving different purposes.
Personal Display
Bedrooms and personal spaces: Many nonbinary people, especially youth, display the flag in their bedrooms as a personal affirmation of identity. Flags available in multiple sizes—from 12×18 inch garden flags to 3×5 ft flags—work for different space constraints.
Apartments and homes: Displaying the nonbinary flag in living spaces creates affirming environments and signals to visitors that the space is gender-inclusive.
Offices and workspaces: Some nonbinary individuals display small flags at work to signal their identity and create inclusive professional environments.
Vehicles: Small nonbinary flags on car antennas or window decals allow mobile identity expression.
Public and Community Display
Pride events: The nonbinary flag appears prominently at pride parades, festivals, and marches, creating visibility for nonbinary identities within broader LGBTQ+ celebrations.
Educational institutions: Schools and universities increasingly display nonbinary flags in counseling centers, gender-neutral bathrooms, and student centers to signal inclusive spaces.
Businesses and organizations: LGBTQ+-friendly businesses may display nonbinary flags alongside other pride flags to demonstrate commitment to gender diversity.
Protests and activism: The nonbinary flag appears at demonstrations for transgender rights, gender-neutral bathroom access, and other gender justice issues.
Digital Display
Nonbinary flags appear in digital spaces as:
- Social media profile pictures or banners
- Email signatures and Zoom backgrounds
- Discord servers and online community spaces
- Digital art and graphics
- Pronoun badges and bio indicators
Display Accessories and Options
Our flag accessories collection includes mounting options for nonbinary flags:
- Flagpoles for outdoor display
- Wall-mounting brackets for indoor display
- Desktop flag stands for small flags
- Pins, patches, and wearable flag items
Respectful Display and Etiquette
Displaying the nonbinary flag comes with considerations about respect and appropriateness.
Who Should Display the Nonbinary Flag
Nonbinary individuals: People who identify as nonbinary, genderqueer, agender, or any identity under the nonbinary umbrella can display the flag to represent their own identity.
Allies with caution: While allies can display general pride flags to show support, displaying specific identity flags like the nonbinary flag when you're not nonbinary can be seen as appropriation. Instead, allies should:
- Display general rainbow pride flags to show LGBTQ+ support
- Display progress pride flags that include multiple identities
- Ask nonbinary friends or community members for guidance
- Focus on actions that support nonbinary people rather than symbolic displays
Organizations and institutions: Schools, businesses, and organizations can display nonbinary flags to signal inclusive spaces, particularly in areas like gender-neutral bathrooms, counseling centers, or LGBTQ+ resource centers.
Understanding Before Displaying
Before displaying a nonbinary flag, understand:
- The meaning of each color stripe
- The flag's history and creator
- What nonbinary identity means and encompasses
- How to respectfully discuss nonbinary identities if asked
- Proper pronoun usage (many nonbinary people use they/them pronouns)
This knowledge ensures you can explain the flag's significance and demonstrate genuine respect rather than treating it as mere decoration.
Context and Safety Considerations
Consider context when displaying nonbinary flags:
Safety: In some locations or situations, displaying nonbinary flags may create safety risks for nonbinary individuals. Prioritize personal safety while recognizing that visibility also creates change.
Timing: While pride flags see increased display during Pride Month (June), year-round display demonstrates ongoing commitment rather than performative June-only support.
Combination with other flags: Many people display the nonbinary flag alongside other identity flags (transgender, bisexual, etc.) or the general rainbow pride flag, reflecting multiple aspects of identity.
The Nonbinary Flag in LGBTQ+ Movements
The nonbinary flag plays important roles in broader LGBTQ+ advocacy and visibility.
Visibility and Representation
The nonbinary flag creates visibility for identities that are often invisible or misunderstood. Unlike sexual orientation, which might be apparent through relationships, gender identity—particularly nonbinary identity—isn't visually obvious. The flag provides a way to make nonbinary identity visible.
Challenging the Gender Binary
By existing and being displayed, the nonbinary flag challenges societal assumptions that gender only exists as male or female. It creates visual evidence that gender diversity is real and deserves recognition.
Building Community
The nonbinary flag helps nonbinary people find each other and build community. Seeing the flag displayed signals "you're not alone" and "this is a safe space," creating connections between people who might otherwise feel isolated.
Advocating for Rights and Recognition
The nonbinary flag appears at demonstrations advocating for:
- Legal recognition of nonbinary gender markers on IDs and documents
- Access to gender-neutral bathrooms and facilities
- Protection from discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare
- Inclusive language and policies in institutions
- Accurate representation in media and culture
Nonbinary Flag vs. Other Gender Identity Flags
Understanding how the nonbinary flag relates to other gender identity flags helps clarify when to use each.
| Flag | Colors | Represents | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonbinary Flag | Yellow, white, purple, black | All nonbinary identities (umbrella term) | When identifying as any gender outside the binary |
| Transgender Flag | Light blue, pink, white | All transgender identities | When identifying as a gender different from assigned at birth |
| Genderqueer Flag | Lavender, white, green | Genderqueer identities specifically | When identifying as genderqueer (some overlap with nonbinary) |
| Agender Flag | Black, gray, white, green | People without gender | When specifically identifying as agender/genderless |
| Genderfluid Flag | Pink, white, purple, black, blue | People whose gender changes | When gender identity shifts over time |
Many people display multiple flags representing different aspects of their identity, or choose the flag that feels most personally meaningful.
Common Questions About the Nonbinary Flag
Why Do We Need a Specific Nonbinary Flag?
While the rainbow pride flag represents the entire LGBTQ+ community, specific identity flags like the nonbinary flag serve important purposes:
- Specific representation: Nonbinary people can feel invisible under broad umbrella symbols
- Community building: Specific flags help people with shared experiences find each other
- Education: Distinct flags create opportunities to educate about specific identities
- Affirmation: Seeing your specific identity represented validates your experience
Can I Display Both Nonbinary and Transgender Flags?
Yes, many nonbinary people display both flags since they identify as both nonbinary and transgender. Some people display:
- Both flags separately
- The nonbinary flag primarily, with transgender flag elements
- Custom combinations of both flags
- Different flags in different contexts
There's no single "correct" way to display flags—personal preference and what feels most authentic to your identity matters most.
How Do I Support Nonbinary People Beyond Displaying Flags?
Meaningful support for nonbinary people includes:
- Using correct pronouns (ask and respect people's pronouns)
- Advocating for gender-neutral bathrooms and facilities
- Supporting policies that recognize nonbinary identities
- Challenging binary gender assumptions in language and forms
- Listening to and amplifying nonbinary voices
- Educating yourself about nonbinary experiences
- Intervening when you witness discrimination or misgendering
Flag display can be part of allyship, but actions matter more than symbols.
Caring for Your Nonbinary Flag
Proper care ensures your nonbinary flag remains vibrant and meaningful.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Regular cleaning: Hand wash in cold water with mild detergent every few months
- Gentle handling: Avoid harsh chemicals that can fade the yellow, purple, and black colors
- Air drying: Hang to dry completely before storage or re-display
- Iron carefully: Use low heat if ironing polyester flags
Storage
- Fold flags neatly when not displayed
- Store in cool, dry locations away from direct sunlight
- Use breathable fabric bags rather than plastic
- Avoid compressing flags under heavy items
Outdoor Display Considerations
For outdoor nonbinary flag display:
- Polyester flags withstand weather better than other materials
- Remove flags during severe weather to prevent damage
- Expect outdoor flags to last 1-2 years before fading
- Replace faded flags to maintain vibrant color representation
- Consider rotating between indoor and outdoor display to extend flag life
The Nonbinary Flag in Popular Culture
The nonbinary flag has gained increasing visibility in mainstream culture.
Media Representation
The nonbinary flag appears in:
- TV shows and films featuring nonbinary characters
- Music videos by nonbinary and LGBTQ+ artists
- Video games with character customization and gender options
- Social media campaigns for LGBTQ+ visibility
- News coverage of gender identity issues
Celebrity and Public Figure Display
Nonbinary celebrities and public figures have helped popularize the flag:
- Musicians displaying the flag at concerts and in music videos
- Actors incorporating the flag into red carpet appearances
- Social media influencers using the flag in content
- Athletes displaying the flag at sporting events
Corporate and Institutional Recognition
Increasing numbers of organizations display the nonbinary flag:
- Companies during Pride Month marketing
- Universities in LGBTQ+ resource centers
- Healthcare facilities in gender-affirming care spaces
- Government buildings during LGBTQ+ awareness events
The Future of the Nonbinary Flag
As understanding of gender diversity grows, the nonbinary flag's role continues evolving.
Increasing Recognition
The nonbinary flag is likely to see continued growth in recognition and display as:
- More people come out as nonbinary
- Younger generations embrace gender diversity
- Legal systems recognize nonbinary gender markers
- Media representation of nonbinary people increases
Educational Tool
The flag serves as an educational entry point for discussions about:
- Gender as a spectrum rather than a binary
- The difference between gender identity and biological sex
- Pronoun diversity and respectful language
- The history of gender diversity across cultures
Symbol of Progress
The nonbinary flag represents broader social progress toward:
- Recognition that gender is more complex than male/female
- Acceptance of diverse gender expressions and identities
- Legal and institutional accommodation of nonbinary people
- Cultural shift away from rigid gender norms
For more information about the nonbinary flag and other identity flags, see our complete guide on pride and identity flags.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the colors of the nonbinary flag mean?
The nonbinary flag has four stripes: 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, becoming the primary symbol of nonbinary identity.
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 others see them as distinct identities, and each flag has its own specific symbolism.
Can I display the nonbinary flag if I'm 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 to signal inclusive spaces.
Do all nonbinary people use they/them pronouns?
No, nonbinary people use diverse pronouns including they/them, he/him, she/her, neopronouns (ze/zir, xe/xem, etc.), or combinations of pronouns. 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. Whether you're nonbinary yourself, learning about gender diversity, or seeking to create more inclusive spaces, understanding this flag's meaning and significance demonstrates respect for the diverse ways humans experience gender.
If you're nonbinary, displaying the flag can be a powerful act of self-affirmation and visibility. Choose sizes and display methods that feel comfortable and safe for your situation—from small desktop flags in private spaces to large outdoor flags making public statements. Your visibility helps other nonbinary people feel less alone and contributes to broader understanding of gender diversity.
For allies, educators, and organizations, the nonbinary flag serves as a reminder that gender is more complex than binary categories suggest. Use the flag's presence as an opportunity to examine and challenge binary assumptions in your language, policies, and practices. Creating truly inclusive spaces requires more than displaying flags—it demands ongoing commitment to respecting and accommodating diverse gender identities.
Remember that behind the nonbinary flag are real people with diverse experiences, challenges, and strengths. The flag's four stripes represent the beautiful complexity of gender, reminding us that human diversity extends far beyond traditional categories. By understanding, respecting, and when appropriate displaying the nonbinary flag, we contribute to a world where all people can exist authentically, regardless of where their gender identity falls on the spectrum.
