BLM Philly Fist Flag 3'x5' Polyester

This flag joins two symbols: the Philly pride flag, whose black and brown stripes call attention to queer and trans people of colour, and the raised black fist associated with Black Lives Matter. The BLM Philly Fist Flag is a 3' x 5' banner in 100-denier polyester with two brass grommets, built to be carried at rallies and hung where it will be seen.

The story behind the Philly pride flag

Philadelphia introduced its eight-stripe flag at the city's Pride kick-off outside City Hall, as part of a campaign called More Color More Pride created with the local agency Tierney. It keeps the six familiar rainbow colours and adds a black stripe and a brown stripe at the top, an inclusive way to recognize Black and brown LGBTQ+ people and the issues they face within the wider community. Groups well beyond Philadelphia now fly it too, from campus clubs to community centres that want their welcome to be explicit.

What the fist adds

A raised fist has long been a sign of solidarity and resistance. On queer flags it became especially visible during the Black Lives Matter protests, when designs pairing rainbow stripes with a fist spread as a way to show that racial justice and queer liberation are linked. On this flag the black fist sits over the stripes; the product photo shows the exact placement and proportions.

Built for rallies

Plenty of cheap flags are thin enough to see through. This one uses 100-denier polyester, a heavier yarn that gives the colours a more solid look. The two brass grommets on the hoist side accept pole clips, cord, carabiners or zip ties, and the fly edge, the loose end that snaps around in wind, is finished with four rows of stitching to resist fraying.

For a march, a lightweight telescoping pole or even a sturdy dowel works; fasten the top grommet first, then the bottom, keeping the fabric snug against the pole so it doesn't slide down. If you're carrying it for hours, roll it around the pole between stops to give your arms a break. Write a contact number on the pole with marker in case it gets separated from your group in a crowd.

Who it suits

This design speaks most directly to queer and trans people of colour and to allies who want their support for racial justice to be visible. It works for a community-centre lobby, a union hall, a campus club room or a front window, and it makes a clear statement in group photos. If you're buying for an organization, check whether members prefer the fist design or the plain stripes before you order a set.

Hanging it at home or at work

Indoors, two cup hooks set at the grommet spacing let you take it down and put it back in seconds. Hang it horizontally across a wall for the full design, or from the grommets alone for a vertical banner in an entryway. Outdoors, mount it on a house bracket out of the worst of the wind, and take it in during storms.

After the rally

Wash it by hand in cool water with a mild detergent, or on a delicate cycle, and line-dry. Skip bleach, which can dull the black and brown bands. Fold loosely for storage.

Specifications

• Brand: Flags Importer
• Design: Philly pride stripes with raised black fist
• Size: 3 ft × 5 ft
• Material: 100-denier polyester
• Mounting: 2 brass grommets
• Finish: 4 rows of stitching on the fly edge

Prefer the stripes without the fist? The Philly Rainbow Flag is the same size. You'll find more designs in our LGBTQ+ Pride collection.