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A transgender pin is a symbol and form of activism all in one. No wonder it is so popular. While it is primarily used as a means of self-expression by the pin owner, it can have a positive ripple effect on other people's perceptions of the community.
Therefore, the pins come in several types, each with distinct meanings, purposes, and aesthetics.
Transgender Flag Pin
The most pervasive type of transgender pride pin is the flag-based. These pins are made in the color of the transgender flag, which comprises blue, pink, and white. The flag is made of 5 horizontal stripes: 1 bright blue on the top, 1 bright pink on the second and fourth stripes, and the third stripe is white, which divides the blue and pink into equal sections. The blue and pink colors represent the male and female sexes, while the white color denotes those who identify as neutral or in between the two genders.
Therefore, simply wearing the transgender pins flagship variant doesn't bear any additional messages. However, it is widely considered as a general symbol of support for the transgender community.
Gender Identity Pins
Some of the more sophisticated gender identity pins feature symbols that represent various gender identities. These symbols include styles that incorporate designs or colors that represent different gender identities, such as male, female, non-binary, genderqueer, or agender. For instance, a pin that features the blue and pink colors of the transgender flag reinforces that message. In other words, it's a flag-based variant.
In contrast, a gender identity pin that features the colors of the non-binary flag comprises horizontal stripes of yellow, white, purple, and black. While the black and blue colors represent the binary of male and female, the white color symbolizes those who are neutral or in between the gender spectrum. The purple color, on the other hand, is for those who blend the blue and pink colors.
All these variants help rainbow the message of inclusivity even further.
Custom and Thematic Pins
While all the russian pins mentioned above are symbolic of the transgender movement, many artists and activists have created custom or thematic pins that showcase more personal or specific messages. These pins may feature slogans, quotes, or artistic representations that highlight issues such as gender dysphoria, trans rights, or the experiences of individuals within the community. The designs can be anything people want, from illustrations and caricatures to intricate patterns and designs.
Functional Pins
Some are basically functional and serve the dual purpose of securing or fastening clothes, bags, or hats and promoting a cause. Some of these pins also support lgbt organizations, with the pinowner having access to and using it. However, that is not to say that it is ideal for using such pins. While it does the job and then some, such pins are usually made with lower-quality materials in a way that they can come out or be rotated in a way that they can be used to be pinned on something.
Probably the most prominent aspect of a transgender pin is the design element. However, the design of these pins is beyond aesthetics. Pins are usually made with materials such as metal, enamel, acrylic, paper, or plastic. Plastic pins are the cheapest to produce and can be personalized the most. However, they are also the least durable. While paper pins are inexpensive and customizable, they are not very durable. Metal pins are usually the most durable, and enamel pins are more expensive and usually feature more intricate artistic elements.
Then we have the colors. Color is yet another aspect of the customization of the transgender pins. The trans flag is made of blue, pink, and white colors. Almost all the other pins mentioned use these colors as the main design colors in the pin design. The blue color represents masculinity and is therefore not surprised since it represents the male sex. Pink is for femininity and originated from the color associated with women. And finally, white serves a uniting purpose. It cuts across the two and even incorporates those who consider themselves to be in between the gender spectrum. In recent years, other colors have been incorporated into the transgender flag to make new variants. For example, in the case of non-binary people, the yellow and purple colors were added to the original flag.
Beyond the colors of the transgender flag, there are also other colors not associated with the flag that have become a staple in pride merchandise. Black and brown are used in the designs of the trans flag to represent wider communities, including people of color and those who have been affected by the violence witnessed in the LGBTQ community. They are also added to keep the focus on inclusivity and on the people who feel marginalized even in the LGBTQ community.
Lastly, while the material and color choices are important in the design of the queer pride pins, the shapes and symbols used are also equally relevant. Some might be cut in the shape of circles, squares, diamonds, and hearts, while others might take the shape of more complex objects, including symbols of the LGBTQ community like triangles, arrows, or the pansy flower. These designs can also be purely abstract. These design elements can also be incorporated into the more functional pins that were discussed earlier.
Pride pins are versatile accessories that can be used in different settings. Below are a few popular places and situations where they are worn.
Pride Events and Parades
Pride events and parades are probably the most fitting occasion for wearing transgender pins. During these festivals, people to a lot of pride merchandise to show support for LGBTQ rights and love. This is usually in a sea of people wearing clothes with the colors of the flag who also do the same. In these events, the pins are an effective means of the people expressing themselves and their gender identity and even connecting with other individuals who share the same views. Because these events are all bout loud and extravagant, so are the pins that people usually sport during the event. Pins made of enamel, the custom work, and even the functional items stand out and deliver a message about the owner's sexuality.
Everyday Wear
Wearing pride pins as a daily accessory is becoming more common. This helps to foster inclusivity and acceptance in everyday life. By wearing the pins on jackets, bags, hats, and other clothing items, individuals can subtly or overtly share their support for the LGBTQ community. Adding the pride pins to the usual work, school, or casual attire helps normalize conversations around gender identity and expression and the experiences of individuals within the community.
Advocacy and Fundraising Campaigns
Transgender pins are also commonly used for advocacy and fundraising purposes. While many artists and LGBTQ organizations sell or give away such pins, there are those that do not. Those organizations and artists often have fundraising purposes and use the proceeds to support various aspects of the LGBTQ community. So when they make, sell, or give away these pins, they not only have a tangible expression of support for the LGBTQ community but also participate in activism by doing so.
Online and Social Media
Social media platform is another space where pride pins are used. Shared images and posts about the pins help to promote awareness of transgender issues and causes. This practice has the added advantage of having solidarity and support for gender equality but at the same time doing it in a way that does not disrupt daily activities.
Pride pins are generally quite simple to care for. Their durability majorly depends on the material used to make them. However, ensuring they are made of quality materials, the pins are usually durable, and some even need to be cared for.
Materials and Durability
As mentioned earlier, trans pride pins are made from various materials, each with its durability level. Metal and enamel pins are preferred for their high durability; they are also relatively easy to clean and maintain. In fact, these are the most durable of the pride pins and require minimal to no maintenance, apart from wiping them. Acrylic and 3D-printed pins are also durable but may not be as resistant to wear and tear as enamel pins. Paper and plastic pins are less durable and are usually used for a short time. Paper pins usually have low durability, where the paper variant practically using a temporary form of pride. Paper pins usually come with a low durability production where the paper material is used that can be affected by the elements and thus has a lifetime below a year.
Cleaning
Cleaning the pride pins is product-specific, and knowing the kind of products used helps determine how to clean them. Do it for metal and enamel pins. Soak a soft cloth in lukewarm water and wipe the pin gently to remove any dirt, oil, or grime. For dust on active pins, again, use a damp cloth to wipe off the dust or an air duster to remove dust.
Storage
Proper storage is a way of ensuring the pride pins last longer. Collecting them means putting them in one place, and this could be a case or a box for keeping them away from the elements and not getting damaged. Storing the pins away from humidity, strong heat, or direct sunlight is recommended to avoid tarnishing or fading colors.
Wear and Usage
This is a no-brainer, as how the pins are used directly affects their durability. Avoid putting up or wearing pride pins to avoid 'borrowing' where they are not taken from or moved, as this will affect their infrastructure. Be gentle while fixing or removing the pin from clothes or bags to avoid damaging the pin or the item to which it was attached. Lastly, pins should not be exposed to hard or rough conditions.
A1: Queer pins are symbols of pride, support, and solidarity with the transgender community. They promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusivity of gender identities and expressions.
A2: Yes, some transgender pins are functional, meaning that apart from the message, one can use them to fasten or secure clothing, bags, and hats.
A3: Cleaning pride pins depends on the materials used to make them. Again, metal and fabric pins can be cleaned easily, while paper pins need to be handled with care.
A4: Transgender pride pins can be worn anywhere, including at work or school.
A5: These pins can be purchased or ordered at wholesale prices from online retailers like Alibaba.com.
