Written by Justun Dorsey, Education and Outreach Coordinator

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the resilience, diversity, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals. Thousands of those within the community have taken the oath at some point in their lives to serve in the U.S. military. Among the many stories that deserve recognition is that of Monica Helms, a transgender Navy Veteran who created the transgender pride flag. Today, the flag serves as a beacon of visibility and empowerment for the trans community worldwide.

From Silent Service to National Symbolism

Monica Helms was born on March 8, 1951, in Sumter, South Carolina, and grew up in Arizona. After graduating from high school, she followed in her family’s footsteps by joining the military and serving in the U.S. Navy from 1970 to 1978. This was a time when being openly transgender could result in a dishonorable discharge from the military. Helms’ experience of serving in silence profoundly influenced her later activism as a vocal advocate for transgender rights. In 1999, inspired by a conversation with Michael Page, the creator of the bisexual pride flag, Helms designed the transgender pride flag.

The flag consists of five horizontal stripes: two light blues, two pinks, and one white in the center. The light blue represents the stereotypical color blue for baby boys, pink for baby girls, and the white stripe stands for those who are transitioning, intersex, or identify outside the gender binary. Helms first flew the flag at the Phoenix Pride Parade in 2000. In 2014, she donated the original flag to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, cementing its place in U.S. history.

In addition to her contributions to LGBTQ+ symbolism, she founded the Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA) in 2003 to support and advocate for transgender Veterans. Under her leadership, TAVA organized the first ever Transgender Veterans March to the Wall in 2004, where transgender Veterans honored their fallen comrades at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. TAVA was also the first trans group to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. On a personal note, Helms was elected as a delegate to the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts, becoming the first openly trans person elected to a DNC Convention from Georgia.

Helms resides in Georgia with her wife, Darlene Wagner where she continues to be an active voice in the community, inspiring future generations to live authentically and proudly.

Honoring Her Legacy and Advocating for Change

The creation of the flag is more than a symbol. It’s a testament to the courage and determination of transgender individuals worldwide, including those who have served and continue to serve in the military. By sharing stories like Helms’ and supporting initiatives that promote inclusivity, we can work towards a future where every individual, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, is recognized and valued for their service.

If you would like to learn more about Monica Helms, check out her book: More Than Just A Flag.

References:

(Left) Photo Courtesy of Lev Raddin/Shuttershock

(Right) Photo Courtesy of Georgia Public Broadcasting

Allen, Samantha. “The Trans Pride Flag’s Creator Loves the New Emoji As Much As You Do.” Them, Them., 16 Nov. 2020, www.them.us/story/monica-helms-trans-pride-flags-creator-new-emoji.

Fleming, Leah. “Meet the Creator of the Transgender Flag: Monica Helms of Marietta.” Georgia Public Broadcasting, 17 Jan. 2019, www.gpb.org/news/2019/01/17/meet-the-creator-of-the-transgender-flag-monica-helms-of-marietta.

“Monica Helms.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 13 May 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monica_Helms.

Stillman, Andrew J. “10 Facts You Never Knew about the Transgender Pride Flag.” Gay Pride – LGBT and Queer Voices, Gay Pride – LGBT and Queer Voices, 20 Nov. 2024, www.pride.com/trans/transgende-flag-facts.

Stilwell, Blake. “How Navy Veteran Monica Helms Created the Transgender Pride Flag.” Military.Com, 30 Mar. 2022, www.military.com/history/how-navy-veteran-monica-helms-created-transgender-pride-flag.html.

Wheatley, Thomas, and By. “Meet the Navy Veteran Who Created the Trans Pride Flag.”  Atlanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2020, www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture/articles/meet-the-navy-veteran-who-created-the-trans-pride-flag/.