Pride Flag Search

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are pride flags and labels important?
  • Pride flags and labels can help 2SLGBTQIA+ people feel validated, supported, and proud of who they are.
  • They help promote visibility and inclusivity, signal safe spaces, and can help queer people feel less isolated by fostering connection to people with similar experiences.
  • For more information on the importance of labels and people's experiences with them, visit this article from Say It Out Loud.
What are umbrella terms?
What are microlabels and why do they matter?
  • Microlabels refer to specific terms that fall under a broader umbrella term or spectrum, such as demisexual, which falls under the asexual umbrella.
  • Since they are more specific, they help people identify personal experiences that might not necessarily be included within the umbrella term.
  • Some people prefer to use microlabels without identifying with the corresponding umbrella term because they feel it represents them better.
  • For more information, visit the LGBTQIA+ Fandom Wiki's article on microlabels.
How are identities fluid?
  • Many people experience some form of identity fluidity, meaning their identity fluctuates over time.
  • The same is true for queer people, which can manifest in using different labels over time, changing pronouns and/or gender expression, and many other ways.
  • In fact, there are specific labels for people who experience fluctuating identities, such as genderfluid and abrosexual.
  • People can also experience the same identity in different ways, and might even use different definitions or additional terms to further define their experiences.
  • To learn more about how identities can be fluid, visit this article from the Georgetown Voice.
Do pronouns correspond to gender?
  • No, pronouns do not equate or correspond to gender.
  • People often assume that she/her are the pronouns that women use and he/him are the pronouns that men use, but this is only because of societal expectations.
  • In reality, people can use any pronouns they like or no pronouns, no matter what gender they are.
  • Some people use combinations of pronouns, like they/she, it/they, or he/she/they, while others stick to one set of pronouns like she/her or xe/xem.
  • To learn more about pronouns, watch this video from the Gender Equality Network on YouTube.

The following questions were answered by Scottie (any pronouns), Director of a University LGBT Center:

What is a spectrum?
  • A spectrum literally means the composition of colors based on individual components of colors, with each unique color contributing to the overall vision of the spectrum. This same meaning can be applied in how we think about gender and/or sexual identity as being on a spectrum.
  • This spectrum does not have two binary sides; rather, think of a spectrum like a universe:
    • Each of us carries and holds many different identities; in thinking about queerness, the spectrum can be like a universe.
    • We find commonality in some identities/labels and group those together (galaxies), and there are also some identities that do not neatly fit into other galaxies (constellations).
    • And then there are individuals (stars) just trying to figure things out who aren't sure if they should be in this galaxy or constellation but know they are part of the ever-changing universe.
    • And we know that our universe is always growing, just like our understanding of queerness.
What is the history behind Pride?
  • Pride is resistance. The first official Pride event took place in 1970 in NYC and was honoring the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprisings and the newly formed Gay Liberation Movement.
  • Over the years, Pride has shifted and taken many different forms with resistance at its core.
  • Pride represents power, joy, pain, triumph, and so much more!
  • To learn more about the history of the pride movement, visit this article from HISTORY.com.

The following questions about allyship were answered by Andrew (he/him), Vice President of SPEAK at Lehigh University:

How can I support someone who is coming out or questioning their identity?
  • Say thank you for trusting you and ask how you can support them.
  • Don't press for details — let them lead the pace of what they share.
  • Avoid saying things like "I already knew" — instead, center them. "Is there anything you'd like me to do for you going forward?"
What if someone shares a label they identify with, but I have no clue what it means?
  • Thank them for sharing that personal information.
  • Research the term later.
  • Depending on the environment and the nature of your relationship with the person, ask them if they're willing to share more information about it with you.
What are misgendering and deadnaming? What should I do if I accidentally misgender or deadname someone?
  • Misgendering is referring to someone in a way that doesn't align with their gender identity. Deadnaming is using the birth name of a transgender person who changed their name while transitioning.
  • If you deadname or misgender someone, quickly apologize, correct yourself, and move on. Don't linger on it or try to explain your mistake.
  • Make an active effort to use the right pronouns and name going forward.
  • If you don't know someone's pronouns or name, just ask — it's quick and easy.
What biases or assumptions might I still hold, and how can I unlearn them?
  • Reflect on where your ideas about gender and sexuality came from (family, friends, religion, media, etc.)
  • Think about and question assumptions you consciously or subconsciously place on someone because of a certain identity.
  • Receive feedback with gratitude and grace rather than hostility and defensiveness.
How can I be an ally on campus or in the office?
  • Speak up when accusatory, biased, or exclusive language is used.
  • Advocate for gender neutral bathrooms, pronoun options, etc.
  • Join or support queer clubs and organizations.
How do I show up consistently for my queer friends and family, not just during Pride Month or when it's convenient?
  • Check in regularly. Even just a “Hey, how's it going?” text goes an incredibly long way.
  • Celebrate their wins, both big and small.
How can I challenge homophobia, transphobia, and other queerphobias when I see them — especially in my own circles?
  • Interrupt offensive jokes or slurs by calmly saying they're not okay — you'll be surprised by how powerful this can be. It forces everyone in the group to reflect on what was just said.
  • Use your social capital to set a tone of respect in group settings.
  • Have private conversations with people who say harmful things. Gently question their behavior.
How can I continue learning about LGBTQ+ identities without placing the burden on queer people to educate me?
  • Read books:
    • The Savvy Ally by Jeannie Gainsburg
    • This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
    • All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson
  • Watch documentaries:
    • Paris is Burning
    • The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson
    • Kiki
  • Use resources like The Trevor Project, PFLAG, GLSEN, and this website as starting points.
  • Attend workshops, facilitations, or lectures when offered in your community or school.
How can I use my vote, voice, and privilege to support queer rights — especially for trans youth and queer people of color?
  • Research local, state, and federal candidates' stances on LGBTQ+ policies before voting for them (visit the politician's website, the Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, etc.)
  • Recognize the privileges you have (white, male, straight, cisgender, etc.)
  • Utilize your privilege to amplify and fight for queer rights.
How I can I be aware of the laws and policies affecting LGBTQ+ people in my state or country?

The following question was answered by Rooster DeMotte (they/them):

How can I make my own DIY pride flag?
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