Queerplatonic Pride Flag (2016, Mist)

Overview

To provide a flag representing Queerplatonic relationships, which occupy a space between conventional friendship and romantic partnership that existing pride flags did not address. ^[1]

The term 'Queerplatonic' was coined on December 25, 2010, by Kaz on the blog Kaz's Scribblings (Dreamwidth). It was popularized on January 22, 2011, by Meloukhia (S.E. Smith) on Tumblr. The term describes committed, intimate relationships that do not fit conventional categories of romance or friendship.

By 2016, the concept had gained significant traction in aromantic and asexual communities, creating demand for a visual symbol. Mist's flag, published July 6, 2016, became the most widely adopted design. ^[1][2]

Identity & Context

Represented Identity

Queerplatonic relationships (QPRs)

Subcommunity

Aromantic spectrum / asexual spectrum / relationship diversity

The Queerplatonic concept is closely associated with aromantic and asexual communities but is not exclusive to them. People of any orientation may be in Queerplatonic relationships.

Creators

The Creator

Attribution notes

The flag was designed by Mist on July 6, 2016. No further verified biographical information about Mist is publicly available. ^[1]

Origin

Place Type

online

Digital Origin

true

Digital origin. No specific geographic location documented.

Published online by Mist on July 6, 2016. ^[1]

Dates & Chronology

Year Created

2016

Exact date

July 6, 2016

First public use

July 6, 2016

Period in Use

2016–present

The flag is widely used in aromantic, asexual, and relationship-diversity communities online. A five-stripe variant also circulates (yellow, pink, white, grey, black, without the heart), though the seven-stripe heart version is more commonly associated with the Mist design. ^[1]

The five-stripe variant (yellow, pink, white, grey, black, no heart) also exists and is sometimes used as an alternative or simplified version. The relationship between the two designs is not clearly documented.

Lineage

Indirect influences

Aromantic Pride Flag, Rainbow Pride Flag

Related flags

Asexual Pride Flag

The flag's black, white, and grey stripes echo the aromantic flag's color language, reflecting the close association between Queerplatonic relationships and aromantic identity. The pink and yellow are distinct additions. ^[1]

Colors & Symbolism

The flag represents Queerplatonic relationships, emphasizing the distinctiveness of these relationships from both romantic partnerships and conventional friendships. The yellow heart is the flag's most distinctive element, symbolizing platonic attraction. ^[1]

Documented by flagcolorcodes.com. ^[1]

Yellow heart (centered)

Platonic attraction. Yellow is associated with platonic love in some color symbolism traditions. ^[1]

The flag's symmetrical stripe arrangement (pink, near-black, grey, white, grey, near-black, pink) creates a mirror pattern with the white center stripe as the axis. The black/white/grey echoing the aromantic flag is an interpretive connection noted in community discussions rather than a stated design intention.

Hex values documented by flagcolorcodes.com. The near-black (#2D2826) is a warm dark tone rather than pure black.

Design

Aspect Ratio

3:5 · standard

Orientation

horizontal

Stripe Count

7

Layout

stripes_with_emblem

Stripes (Top → Bottom)

Pink, Near-black, Grey, White, Grey, Near-black, Pink

Center Symbol

Yellow heart

Seven horizontal stripes in a symmetrical arrangement (pink, near-black, grey, white, grey, near-black, pink) with a yellow heart centered on the flag.

Seven horizontal stripes plus a centered yellow heart. Not stripes-only.

Seven horizontal stripes arranged symmetrically: pink, near-black, grey, white (center), grey, near-black, pink. A yellow heart is centered on the flag. The symmetrical pattern creates a mirror effect around the white center stripe. ^[1]

Usage & Adoption

Online Usage

Widely used in aromantic, asexual, and relationship-diversity communities online. ^[1]

Current Status

active

The seven-stripe version with the yellow heart is the most commonly associated version of the Queerplatonic flag. A five-stripe variant (yellow, pink, white, grey, black, no heart) also circulates.

Discourse & Debates

• Whether the term 'Queerplatonic' is exclusive to aromantic and asexual individuals or whether anyone can be in a Queerplatonic relationship regardless of orientation.
• Alternative terms (quasiplatonic, quirkyplatonic, qplatonic) have been proposed by those who prefer not to use the word 'Queer' in this context, though 'Queerplatonic' remains the dominant term.

Common confusions

• Sometimes confused with the aromantic flag due to shared color language (black, white, grey).

The term 'Queerplatonic' was coined December 25, 2010, by Kaz on Kaz's Scribblings (Dreamwidth) and popularized January 22, 2011, by Meloukhia (S.E. Smith) on Tumblr. The 'Queer' in 'Queerplatonic' refers to the relationship's deviation from conventional norms rather than to the sexual orientation of the participants. Alternative forms include quasiplatonic, quirkyplatonic, and qplatonic. The abbreviation QPR (Queerplatonic relationship) is widely used. ^[2]

Footnotes & Citations

Image Sources

Rendering

Mist (2016)