Monica Helms, Creator of the Transgender Flag, Weighs Leaving United States

Monica Helms, widely recognized as the creator of the transgender pride flag and a pioneering activist for transgender rights, is reportedly contemplating leaving the United States in response to what she describes as an increasingly hostile environment for transgender people. “We are worried there’s a possibility something could happen where we end up getting arrested just for being who we are,” Helms told queer news outlet the Bay Area Reporter. The Navy veteran has started a GoFundMe to raise money for the possible flight of herself and her wife, Darlene Wagner, from the U.S.

Helms’ decision comes at a time when the rights and well-being of transgender individuals are under heightened scrutiny in the United States. In recent years, a surge in legislative actions targeting transgender healthcare, public accommodations, and participation in public life has prompted renewed fears and uncertainty among transgender communities nationwide.

Born in Sumter, South Carolina in 1951, Monica Helms served in the United States Navy from 1970 to 1978, a period marked by intense secrecy due to policies that could have resulted in a dishonorable discharge for openly transgender service members . Her military career, including assignments aboard the USS Francis Scott Key and USS Flasher, was formative, shaping her commitment to advocacy and visibility for transgender people .

After her transition, Helms encountered institutional barriers, such as resistance to her membership in the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc., before ultimately becoming the organization’s first transgender woman member .

Helms’ most enduring legacy began in 1999 when, inspired by a conversation with bisexual pride flag creator Michael Page, she designed the transgender pride flag. The flag’s five stripes—two light blue, two pink, and one white—symbolize the diversity and fluidity of gender, representing transgender men, transgender women, and those who are non-binary, intersex, or transitioning . The flag debuted at Phoenix Pride in 2000 and has since become a global emblem of transgender pride and resilience.

While there have been historic gains in visibility and legal protections, recent years have seen a marked increase in proposed and enacted state-level legislation restricting access to gender-affirming healthcare, participation in sports, and the use of public facilities for transgender individuals.

Helms’ reported deliberation over leaving the United States highlights the deeply personal and political intersections of identity, safety, and activism. As the creator of a flag that has empowered and unified transgender people worldwide, her potential move resonates far beyond her immediate circle.

In previous interviews, Helms has spoken candidly about the importance of visibility and the need for community. “To put a flag in the ground, and declare that we were a community was a huge deal at that time,” Helms reflected in a recent conversation . The flag, she noted, represents not only identity but also hope for a future where all transgender people can live authentically and safely.

As news of Helms’ potential departure circulates, many LGBTQ+ organizations have underscored the urgent need for renewed advocacy, solidarity, and support for transgender communities. The story of Monica Helms serves as both a reminder of the progress made and a call to action to address the ongoing challenges facing transgender people in the United States.

While Helms’ next steps remain unconfirmed, her legacy continues to inspire. The transgender pride flag—now housed in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History—stands as a testament to the enduring resilience and creativity of transgender people .