[New] It’s Not Just a Flag

transgender people. As they face many struggles in society, the Progress flag validates that they are an integral part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The flag is also a reminder to transgender individuals and people of color that their place in the community is important. They are constantly under attack from inside and outside of the community and they are among the most vulnerable individuals in the country. Black transgender and gender non-conforming people face some of the highest levels of discrimination of all

Many people have said that the progress flag is doing the opposite of what it intended. The original pride flag was meant to represent everyone in the community together, but some people feel that by putting the trans, black, and brown stripes on top, that they are actually excluding them. People that are uneducated about what the flag's stripes mean think that it is political or representing something other than the LGBTQIA+ community, mostly because it has brought race into the stripes. Regardless of the critiques some have towards the flag, it stands for unity, love, and a symbol of how far we have come, so it deserves to be waved high and with pride.

Credits: This article was written by Myles Garcia, Student Intern @ South Shore Counseling Center

SouthShoreCounseling is a full-service mental health agency, offering CBT counseling, EFT modalities – (tapping), therapeutic counseling, a variety of behavioral and psycho-educational programs. To speak with one of our therapists please call 631-286-8282, e-mail us at SSCounseling1@optonline.net or visit our website, Southshorecounselingcenter.net.