Walk down any main street in a "purple" American town during June and you’ll see it. One house has the Stars and Stripes. The neighbor has the Pride colors. Then, you see that one porch where the rainbow flag and american flag are flying side-by-side, or maybe even fused into a single design.
It’s a visual that stops people. Honestly, it’s kind of wild how much emotion two pieces of fabric can stir up in 2026. For some, it’s the ultimate expression of modern patriotism—the idea that the American promise finally includes everyone. For others, it feels like a conflict of interest or a violation of traditional flag etiquette.
You’ve probably wondered if there are actually "rules" about this. Is it illegal to fly them together? Does one have to be higher? Why do people get so heated about a color palette?
What the U.S. Flag Code Actually Says (And What It Doesn't)
People love to cite the U.S. Flag Code when they see a rainbow flag and american flag sharing a pole. But here’s the thing: the Flag Code isn't a set of laws that will get you thrown in jail. It’s a set of guidelines. Established in 1923 and later adopted by Congress, it’s basically a handbook for etiquette.
If you’re flying the American flag with any other flag—whether it’s the Pride flag, a state flag, or even a sports team banner—the "Old Glory" should technically be at the peak. It’s about seniority. The code suggests that no other flag should be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's right (the observer's left).
Does the police department care if your Pride flag is an inch higher? No.
There’s also the "Thin Blue Line" or "Rainbow American Flag" variation where the actual design of the U.S. flag is altered. Purists argue this violates Section 8(g) of the code, which says the flag should never have "any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature" placed upon it.
But then there’s the First Amendment. The Supreme Court made it pretty clear in Texas v. Johnson (1989) that flag desecration or alteration is protected speech. So, while a neighbor might think an altered rainbow flag and american flag is disrespectful, it is legally your right to fly it.
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The Gilbert Baker Legacy
The rainbow flag wasn't always the six-stripe version we see today. Back in 1978, Gilbert Baker, an artist and activist in San Francisco, dyed and sewed the first one by hand. He actually saw the American Bicentennial in 1976 as an inspiration. He wanted a "community" flag, a "tribe" flag. He originally had eight colors, including pink and turquoise.
He didn't see the rainbow as an anti-American symbol. Far from it. Baker was a veteran. He served in the U.S. Army. For him, the rainbow flag and american flag were both symbols of a quest for freedom, just for different eras and different people.
The Controversy at U.S. Embassies
This isn't just about suburban lawns. This reached the highest levels of government. Under different administrations, the rules for flying the Pride flag at U.S. embassies have flipped back and forth like a light switch.
During the Obama years, it was common. Then, the Trump administration restricted it, requiring specific permission from the State Department. Then the Biden administration leaned back into it. It became a massive talking point in 2023 and 2024 when some embassies flew the Progress Pride flag on the same official poles as the national colors.
Critics, including several members of Congress, argued that only the American flag should represent the nation abroad. They felt that the rainbow flag and american flag together signaled a specific political ideology rather than national unity.
Supporters disagreed. They argued that in countries where being LGBTQ+ is a crime, seeing those two flags together is a literal lifeline. It signals that the U.S. stands for human rights. It’s a fascinating look at how "lifestyle" choices become "geopolitical" statements.
Why the "Progress" Version Changed the Game
You've noticed the newer flag, right? The one with the chevron on the left? That’s the Progress Pride flag, designed by Daniel Quasar in 2018. It adds black and brown stripes for People of Color and light blue, pink, and white for the Trans community.
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When you pair this version of the rainbow flag and american flag, the visual weight changes. It’s a lot more complex. It moves the conversation from "equal rights" to "intersectional justice." For some veterans and traditionalists, this is where the friction gets loudest. They feel the American flag already covers everyone—"E Pluribus Unum," out of many, one. Adding more specific flags feels, to them, like breaking that unity apart.
But for a Gen Z kid in a rural town? Seeing those two flags together might be the only reason they feel safe walking to school.
The "Combined" Flag: A Middle Ground or a Mess?
Then there’s the hybrid. You know the one. It looks like the U.S. flag, but the red and white stripes are replaced by the rainbow spectrum.
Veterans' groups are often split on this. Some see it as a beautiful fusion. Others see it as a "mutilation" of a sacred symbol. If you’re thinking about buying one, just know that it carries a different weight than flying two separate flags.
Separating them usually follows the most "proper" etiquette. It shows respect for the history of the national flag while giving the Pride flag its own dedicated space.
Practical Advice for Displaying Your Flags
If you want to show your support for both without getting a nasty note from the HOA or a grumpy neighbor, there are some "expert" ways to handle it.
- The Two-Pole System: If you have the space, two separate poles are the gold standard. Keep the U.S. flag on the left (as you look at it) and slightly higher.
- Vertical Hanging: If you’re hanging them against a wall, the union (the stars) should be at the top and to the observer's left. The Pride flag should be hung similarly, with the red stripe (the "top" of the rainbow) on the left or at the top.
- Lighting Matters: If you’re leaving the rainbow flag and american flag out overnight, the U.S. flag really should be illuminated. It’s a sign of respect that most people overlook.
The Psychological Impact of the Visual
There was a study—sorta famous in sociology circles—about how symbols change our behavior. When people see the American flag, they tend to feel more "unified" but also more "traditional." When they see the Pride flag, they think about "individualism" and "diversity."
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When you put them together, you’re forcing the brain to reconcile two different types of belonging. It’s called "cognitive dissonance" for some, and "harmony" for others.
I’ve talked to people who say that seeing the rainbow flag and american flag on a church or a government building makes them feel like the "system" finally sees them. It’s not about politics; it’s about existence.
But honestly? Most people are just trying to be kind. They fly both because they love their country and they love their neighbors. It’s that simple, even if the internet tries to make it complicated.
Actionable Steps for Your Display
If you're ready to put your flags out, don't just wing it.
Check the material of your flags. If you're flying them together, try to get them in the same fabric—either both nylon or both polyester. It looks weird when one is shiny and the other is matte. Plus, they'll weather at the same rate.
Check your local ordinances. Believe it or not, some cities have "flag fatigue" laws where they limit how many banners you can stick on one property. It’s rare, but it happens in high-density areas.
Most importantly, keep them clean. A tattered American flag is a bummer, and a faded, graying Pride flag loses its message. If they start to fray, it's time to retire them. You can actually take old American flags to a local VFW or American Legion for proper disposal. For the Pride flag, a respectful, private disposal is the way to go.
Fly them with pride. Fly them with respect. Whether you’re doing it for a holiday or just because it’s Tuesday, the way you display the rainbow flag and american flag says a lot about the world you want to live in.
Next time you see the pair, remember the history. Remember Gilbert Baker’s sewing machine and the 1923 Flag Code. It’s all part of the same big, messy, colorful American story.