Labrys Lesbian Pride Flag

There are several lesbian flags, but this one has symbolism dating back to Ancient Greece.

In Greek myth, the Amazons were a tribe of warrior women living in Asia Minor. And they were associated with the double-headed labrys axe. The axe is also a symbol of goddesses Laphria, Artemis, and Demeter.

In the 1970s, lesbian feminists adopted the labrys as their symbol.

The black triangle dates back to the Nazi era. The Nazis rounded up ‘anti-social’ lesbian and bi women and put them in concentration camps. Just as they made Jewish people wear a yellow Star of David and gay men wear a pink triangle, the black triangle was used to identify lesbians.

Lesbians later adopted the triangle, as gay men did the pink triangle, as a defiant symbol of their community.

Graphic designer Sean Campbell brought these symbols together to create the Labrys Lesbian Pride Flag in 1999.

In the last few years there has been some battles over the ‘ownership’ of the Labrys Lesbian Flag.

Some TERFs (anti-trans women) have adopted it as their symbol. However others fought back insisting that the TERF use of it didn’t mean the community should abandon it. So it remains a flag for all.

Tris Reid-Smith/GSN

What Does the Labrys Symbol Represent?

The labrys, a double-headed axe, is an ancient symbol with roots in Greek and Minoan civilizations, historically associated with feminine power, strength, and matriarchal societies. In modern contexts, the labrys has been adopted as a symbol of lesbian feminism and empowerment, particularly within the LGBTI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex +) community.

It represents resistance to patriarchy, pride in one’s identity, and solidarity among women. The labrys is a powerful emblem for many lesbians who embrace its historical significance and its connection to feminist movements.