2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the gay flag of South Africa being unveiled.
Since then, the flag has come to symbolise the Rainbow Nation’s LGBTQIA+ community. It has become synonymous with visibility, diversity, and a desire for inclusion and equality in a society that, despite its strides in promoting queer culture, still has a long way to go in fully accepting folks of all sexualities.
In honour of Pride Month, let’s unfurl the history of the South African gay flag.
THE HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL GAY FLAG
Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, you’ve likely seen the original, international gay flag in action, usually flying high during a pride parade.
This flag was created in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, an American artist and activist. He was commissioned by the openly gay politician Harvey Milk.
It initially featured eight colourful stripes, each of which represented a different part of the LGBTQIA+ community:
- Violet: The spirit of the community.
- Hot pink: Sex.
- Red: Life.
- Orange: Healing.
- Yellow: Sunlight.
- Green: Nature.
- Turquoise: Magic and art.
- Indigo: Serenity.
Milk was assassinated not long afterwards. In the wake of his death, the flag saw a surge in demand. However, two of the stripes were removed: hot pink, due to manufacturing issues, and turquoise, at Baker’s discretion.
Six colours remained. As a result, the iconic gay flag we all know and love was born. Forty-seven years later, it has become the enduring symbol of the global LGBTQIA+ movement.
THE BIRTH OF SOUTH AFRICA’S GAY FLAG
The international gay flag laid the foundation for South Africa’s own iteration, which was designed in 2010 by Eugene Brockman.
Brockman, also the founder of Gay Flag of SA, a non-profit organisation, merged Baker’s altered design with that of the South African national flag, which was adopted in 1994.
Resultantly, Mzansi’s version features a black-and-white “Y” from the national flag superimposed over the six stripes.
Brockman unveiled the flag in December 2010 at the annual Mother City Queer Project costume party, where it was met with acclaim. Two years later, it was registered as a heraldic flag at South Africa’s Bureau of Heraldry (under the authority of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture).
“The flag has become a symbol of both the celebration of queer South African identity and of the obstacles and hate crimes South Africans face that are unique to this country,” Brockman explained in a TimesLive interview at the time.
Although it’s not officially recognised as one of the country’s national symbols, the flag has nonetheless become embraced by the Rainbow Nation and its LGBTQIA+ community.
SHOW YOUR PRIDE
Whether it’s at parades or along the streets of Mzansi during Pride Month, you’ll see Brockman’s design unfurled, alongside other related flags.
It serves as a reminder to stand together and show support to the members of the local LGBTQIA+ community and to promote and celebrate queer joy in every corner of our Rainbow Nation.
Don’t be afraid to raise your flag – be loud and proud about it, South African-style!
