The American flag is a symbol of freedom and unity for the United States of America. The traditional American flag has 13 horizontal stripes, alternating red and white to represent the original 13 colonies, and 50 white stars on a blue canton, representing the 50 states. However, some variations of the American flag feature multiple colors in place of the traditional red, white, and blue. These multi-colored American flags have emerged to represent various social and political movements.
The Rainbow American Flag
One of the most widely recognized multi-colored American flags is the rainbow flag. This flag features the traditional 13 stripes in rainbow colors instead of red and white. The canton retains the traditional blue field with 50 white stars.
The rainbow American flag first emerged as a symbol of LGBTQ pride and rights in the United States. The rainbow is commonly used as an LGBTQ symbol, originally designed by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. Replacing the red and white stripes with a rainbow adapts the traditional American flag to represent inclusion, diversity, and LGBTQ communities.
The rainbow American flag is commonly flown during LGBTQ rights marches and protests. It became especially prominent in the wake of major events in LGBTQ history, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage in all 50 states in 2015. Flying the rainbow American flag demonstrates support for LGBTQ rights while reaffirming that LGBTQ citizens are proud Americans deserving of equal treatment under the law.
The Pink, Yellow, and Blue American Flag
Another emerging multi-colored American flag features light blue, pink, and yellow stripes instead of the red and white stripes on the traditional flag. The blue canton with 50 white stars remains unaltered.
This pink, yellow, and blue flag was created in 2017 as a symbol for transgender rights in the United States. The light blue, pink, and white represent the Transgender Pride Flag designed by Monica Helms in 1999. Replacing the red and white stripes with the transgender pride colors adapts the American flag to represent support for transgender people.
Like the rainbow American flag for LGBTQ rights, this Transgender Pride American flag increased in prominence after major events, such as the Trump administration’s ban on transgender people serving in the military and controversies over trans bathroom policies. Flying this version of the American flag demonstrates support for transgender rights while maintaining patriotism.
The Thin Blue Line American Flag
Another altered American flag gaining popularity in recent years is the thin blue line flag. This version maintains the traditional red and white stripes, but turns the blue canton completely black. A single blue horizontal line is placed in the center of the black field.
This adaption represents the Thin Blue Line, a slogan and symbol supporting law enforcement in the United States. The thin blue line on the black field illustrates that police serve as the line separating order from chaos. The black represents fallen officers, while the blue line represents the officers continuing to hold that line.
The thin blue line American flag communicates strong support for law enforcement, especially in response to high-profile cases of violence against police officers. However, some also view it as a political statement against activists seeking police reform and accountability.
The Thin Red Line American Flag
There is also a thin red line American flag following the same pattern as the thin blue line flag, but with a red horizontal line instead. This red line flag represents support and memorial for firefighters killed in the line of duty. The Thin Red Line slogan dates back to the 1950s in reference to firefighters and other first responders willing to put themselves at risk.
The Thin Green Line American Flag
The thin green line flag follows the same motif with a green horizontal line on a black field. This version represents support for military service members, veterans, and their families. The green line is meant to symbolize that veterans are the line separating civilians from war.
The Thin Yellow Line American Flag
Completing the set, a thin yellow line on the black canton represents support for dispatchers and 911 operators who are the vital communication connection during emergencies. Yellow is the color associated with dispatch personnel.
The Thin Gold Line American Flag
A thin gold line on the black field represents support for firefighters just as the red line does, since gold is also closely associated with the fire service.
| Flag | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Rainbow American Flag | LGBTQ Pride and rights |
| Pink, Yellow, Blue American Flag | Transgender rights |
| Thin Blue Line Flag | Support for law enforcement |
| Thin Red Line Flag | Support for firefighters |
| Thin Green Line Flag | Support for military service members and veterans |
| Thin Yellow Line Flag | Support for dispatchers |
| Thin Gold Line Flag | Support for firefighters |
Other Color Variations
Some other colored American flag variations not as widely adopted include:
- A thin orange line representing support for search and rescue crews.
- A thin silver line representing support for corrections officers.
- A thin purple line representing support for security guards.
- A thin black line representing support for federal agents.
While not as ubiquitous as the rainbow or thin blue line flags, these colors help more occupations show pride and solidarity through adapting the American flag.
Controversies Over Altered American Flags
While many altered American flags were created with positive unifying intentions, they have also frequently become controversial political symbols. Critics argue that adding different colors detracts from the meaning and symbolism of the standard red, white and blue flag.
For example, some feel the thin blue line flag undermines the Black Lives Matter movement and disregards issues of police brutality and racism. The rainbow LGBTQ flag is seen by some as politicizing a neutral national symbol for a specific agenda. Trump spoke out against Nike shoes featuring a Betsy Ross American flag with a small rainbow Pride flag sewn in, tweeting they disrespected the American flag and national anthem.
Additionally, the United States Flag Code recommends against altering the flag’s standard design to avoid diluting its symbolic power. It states that “The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.”
Nonetheless, pride flags abound at public rallies and protests as a means of merging patriotism and individual rights. But their growing prominence also illuminates the divisiveness in how Americans perceive the role of the flag in representing diversity versus unity. The line between pride and politics remains hotly debated.
Legal Protection for Flag Alterations
The Supreme Court has ruled that altering the American flag is a form of symbolic speech protected under the First Amendment. Flag desecration laws making it illegal to deface or burn flags have been deemed unconstitutional infringements on free expression. So while some look down on altered flags, they remain legal and constitutionally protected forms of free speech.
Conclusion
Altering the red, white, and blue on American flags has emerged as a trendy way to merge patriotism with causes like LGBTQ rights, transgender rights, backing police and firefighters, and more. But the growing prominence of altered flags has also stirred heated debate on whether they dilute the meaning of the standard American flag or appropriately reflect the diverse populace. These altered flags tread the line between being seen as inclusive new traditions or divisive politicized symbols. Their future role in American culture remains unfolding. But despite controversy, their constitutional protection solidifies their place as one image representing many complex perspectives.