Whee! Studios: A Kaleidoscope of Creativity and Passion

Blending Art, Advocacy, and Imagination in Every Venture


More Than Just Rainbow Stripes

Celebrating the First Pride Flag

Pride Flag Friday: Genderfluid Pride Flag

As Pride Month begins, it's important to reflect on the symbol that has become synonymous with the LGBTQ+ community – the Pride flag.

Designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, the original flag holds deep meaning and serves as a powerful symbol of inclusion and diversity.

The Pride flag first appeared at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade on June 25, 1978. Created at the request of Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, the flag was intended to represent the diverse LGBTQ+ community and its vibrant culture. Each color carries significance:

  • Pink: Sexuality
  • Red: Life
  • Orange: Healing
  • Yellow: Sunlight
  • Green: Nature
  • Turquoise: Magic and Art
  • Indigo: Serenity
  • Violet: Spirit

Since 2021, the last remaining fragment of the original Pride flag is now on display at the GLBT Historical Society Museum in San Francisco, a powerful reminder of the symbol's rich history.

Fun fact: the original flag had eight colors, but the hot pink and turquoise colors were later dropped due to fabric availability, resulting in the familiar six-color design we now recognize.

The rainbow flag has evolved to become an iconic representation of love and a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality. The history of the Pride flag is a tale of resilience and community, reminding us of the progress made while inspiring hope for a future of acceptance and pride for all.

As we celebrate Pride Month, let's honor this iconic symbol and the rich history it represents.

We needed something to express our joy, our beauty, our power. And the rainbow did that.

Gilbert Baker

Celebrate Pride with the Zone and Whee! Studios

A Month-Long Calendar of Inclusive Events

CELEBRATE PRIDE WITH THE ZONE & WHEE! STUDIOS!

The Zone Dance Club and Whee! Studios are thrilled to present a vibrant calendar of queer events for Erie Pride this June! We're committed to creating a space that celebrates the diversity and joy of the LGBTQ+ community.

This listing will be your one-stop shop for all the exciting happenings throughout the month. Get ready for dazzling performances, heartwarming gatherings, and opportunities to connect with fellow community members.

Stay tuned! We'll be adding more events as they're confirmed. In the meantime, mark your calendars and prepare to paint Erie with the colors of Pride!

Show Your Pride in NWPA with the 2024 Pride on the Bay T-Shirt!

Erie, get ready to shine! Pride Fest is moving to a brand new location this year – Liberty Park! Mark your calendars (Saturday, June 29th) because Pride on the Bay 2024 promises to be bigger and better than ever. To celebrate this exciting new chapter, I'm thrilled to unveil the official 2024 t-shirt design! This year marks my sixth year collaborating with the NWPA Pride Alliance and I'm really excited to bring this new design to you all!

This collaboration with the NWPA Pride Alliance has been a true honor. It all started with me winning the design contest for the t-shirt years ago. After a couple of years I was directly contracted to create the design, and now I have the privilege of providing my design services as part of the board.

This year's design draws inspiration from Erie's magnificent bayfront. The vibrant colors of the Progressive Pride Flag wrap around the shoreline, creating a beautiful abstract bay visual.

We'll be using a printing technology called 4-color process screen printed transfers for create the shirts. This allows us to include all the colors of the Progressive Pride Flag for a truly inclusive design, while still keeping the shirts affordable for the community. Plus, this technology delivers high-quality, super colorful prints that everyone will love!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your limited-edition 2024 Pride on the Bay t-shirt and head down to Liberty Park to celebrate with the Erie LGBTQ+ community! It's going to be an unforgettable event. These shirts (along with hoodies and tank tops) are now available for pre-order on the NWPA Pride Alliance web site under Shop at: nwpapride.org. See you there!

Team Up for Savings: Exciting Volume Discounts on Premium Tees!

Hey there, Tee Lovers!

Big news from Whee! Design—our beloved Premium T-Shirts now come with fabulous volume discounts! Whether you’re gearing up for a group event, outfitting a class, or prepping for the epic 2024 Eclipse, our discounts let you mix, match, and save!

Here's the deal: the more you buy, the more you save—across any combination of sizes and colors, as long as the design is the same. And yes, all these fantastic tees are just a click away. Find your perfect match in our Premium Tee Collection!

Check out these savings!

QuantityDiscountDiscounted Price
Buy 6 - 11$4.50 off each$17.49 each
Buy 12 - 24$6.00 off each$15.99 each
Buy 25 - 49$7.00 off each$14.99 each
Buy 50 - 74$8.00 off each$13.99 each
Buy 75 - 99$9.00 off each$12.99 each
Buy 100 - 149$10.00 off each$11.99 each
Buy 150+$11.00 off each$10.99 each

So, whether you're a small group or a grand gathering, we've got you covered with a deal that's sure to please. Get your favorite designs, from casual to the celestial, and enjoy a little extra in your pocket.

Need something special? Need one of our designs on a group of hoodies or tank tops? Let us know and we'll be happy to work with you! You can email us at: support@wheedesign.com

Stay stylish and save big—your wardrobe (and wallet) will thank you!

With warmth (and awesome discounts),
The Whee! Design Team

Shop all our Premium Tees

Please Note: This special volume discount offer does not apply to Marvel brand shirts. Thank you for understanding!

The Fluid Spectrum: Exploring the Genderfluid Pride Flag

Unfolding the Colors of Identity

Pride Flag Friday: Genderfluid Pride Flag

Welcome back to our vibrant celebration of identity and expression on Pride Flag Friday! It's a wonderful journey each week as we delve into the rich tapestry of Pride flags that wave boldly in our community. Today, we're embracing the fluidity of identity with the Genderfluid Pride Flag, a symbol of adaptability and boundless self-expression.

History of the Genderfluid Pride Flag

The Genderfluid Pride Flag was created to give a visual identity to the genderfluid community. Introduced to the world in 2012 by JJ Poole, it represents the flexibility and diversity of gender beyond the binary. Each color on the flag was chosen to reflect the variety and nuances of gender fluidity, and since its inception, it has become a powerful symbol for those whose gender identity is not fixed.

The Meaning Behind the Colors

Every hue on the Genderfluid Pride Flag has a specific meaning that resonates with the fluid nature of gender. Pink stands for femininity, white for all genders, purple for the combination of masculinity and femininity, black for the absence of gender, and blue for masculinity. Together, these colors weave a narrative of freedom and the spectrum of gender experiences.

Genderfluid Identity and Community

Genderfluidity defies the constraints of traditional gender norms, embracing the concept that gender can vary over time. For those who identify as genderfluid, their experience of gender can shift and change, often depending on different circumstances or feelings. The Genderfluid Pride Flag is not just a symbol; it's an embrace for those who flow between genders.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Did you know that the Genderfluid Pride Flag is increasingly seen in Pride parades around the globe? It's a testament to the growing recognition and acceptance of non-binary and fluid gender identities. Another fun fact is that genderfluid characters and icons are gaining visibility in media, helping to foster a deeper understanding of the genderfluid experience.

Conclusion

As we celebrate the beauty and complexity of the Genderfluid Pride Flag, let's remember the importance of inclusion and the acceptance of all identities. In a world that's learning to cherish every shade of the human condition, this flag is a beacon of hope and celebration for gender diversity.


Before you go, why not bring a piece of this pride into your everyday life? Swing by Whee! Pride for an array of Genderfluid Pride Flag-inspired goodies that are perfect for anyone looking to wear their pride or simply celebrate diversity. Because here, every day is a chance to stand out and stand proud and live life out loud!

The Intersex Pride Flag: Unity and Visibility

Pride Flag Friday: Intersex Pride Flag

The Creation of the Intersex Pride Flag

Introduced in 2013, the Intersex Pride Flag breaks from traditional gender symbols and colors. Morgan Carpenter of Intersex Human Rights Australia designed it to celebrate the intersex community. The flag’s yellow background and purple circle stand for unbroken wholeness and completeness.

The Meaning Behind the Colors

The choice of colors for the Intersex Pride Flag was intentional. Yellow and purple are not traditionally associated with gender, offering a neutral ground. The purple circle is central, symbolizing the right to bodily autonomy and integrity.

The Impact and Importance

This flag has played a crucial role in raising visibility for intersex individuals, often overlooked in the broader LGBTQ+ discourse. It’s a beacon for inclusivity, rights, and recognition within the community and beyond.

Little Known Facts

Did you know that the Intersex Pride Flag is one of the few LGBTQ+ flags not modeled after the traditional rainbow flag? Its unique design ensures it stands out, just like the individuals it represents.

Wrapping Up

The Intersex Pride Flag is more than just a banner; it’s a symbol of pride, unity, and the ongoing fight for recognition and rights. It encourages us to broaden our understanding and embrace every part of the diverse LGBTQ+ spectrum.


Interested in showing your support? Check out our vibrant Intersex Pride collection at Whee! Pride.

Going Green with Pride: Celebrating the Aromantic Spectrum

Pride Flag Friday: Aromantic Pride Flag

Happy Pride Flag Friday! This week, we're diving into the world of green, white, grey, and black – the colors of the Aromantic Pride Flag. This flag waves with pride, representing a beautiful spectrum of individuals who experience love differently from the romantic tales we often hear about.

What is Aromanticism?

Aromanticism is an orientation that describes people who experience little to no romantic attraction, but that doesn't mean they lack deep, meaningful relationships. Aromantic folks form strong bonds based on friendship, shared interests, and other forms of connection that don't necessarily fit the romantic narrative.

The Flag Unfurled:

Crafted with intention, the Aromantic Pride Flag boasts four stripes, each with its own story. The dark green represents aromanticism, light green for the aromantic spectrum, white nods to platonic and aesthetic relationships, and grey recognizes the grey-area between romance and friendship, with black celebrating the sexuality of aromantic individuals.

Celebrating Diversity:

Just like the wide range of hues in the flag, the aromantic community is a tapestry of diverse experiences and identities. It's a reminder that love isn't one-size-fits-all and that there's beauty in the diverse ways we experience the world and connect with others.

Did You Know?

Here's a fun fact – the Aromantic Pride Flag is often flown alongside the Asexual Pride Flag, as many aromantic people also identify as asexual, but not always. It's a testament to the intersecting experiences within our LGBTQIA+ family.

Wrap-Up:

So as we wrap up this Pride Flag Friday, let's send a round of applause for the aromantic community. And hey, if you're feeling the love for this flag, why not check out our Aromantic Pride merch on Whee! Pride? From vibrant tees to accessories, there's something for everyone to express their unique self. Spread the love and pride, however you feel it!


Feeling the green vibes after learning about the Aromantic Pride Flag? Dive into our collection over at Whee! Pride, where we celebrate every shade of the aromantic spectrum. From chic tees to standout accessories, each piece is designed to let you wear your identity with pride. Whether you're aromantic or an ally, there's something special waiting for you. Let's celebrate the diverse ways we love and connect. Check it out and find your new favorite way to show off your unique pride!

Explore the Aromantic Pride Collection

Roaring with Pride: The Story of the Bear Pride Flag

Pride Flag Friday: Bear Pride Flag at Whee! Pride

In the kaleidoscope of Pride flags, each tells a unique story of identity, community, and celebration. Among these is the Bear Pride Flag, a symbol of the bear community's strength, camaraderie, and unshakable confidence.

The Origin of the Bear Pride Flag:

Designed in 1995 by Craig Byrnes, the Bear Pride Flag emerged from a desire to unite bears worldwide. Byrnes, a member of the bear community, envisioned a symbol that would surpass geographic and cultural boundaries, stitching together a global fellowship with the threads of shared identity.

Symbolism of the Colors and Paw Print:

The flag's broad stripes of brown, orange, yellow, and black represent the fur colors of bears in nature, paralleling the diverse physical types within the community. At the corner rests a bear paw print, a bold emblem of the bear community's essence and spirit.

The Bear Community:

Bears are typically defined by their larger, often hirsute bodies and masculine attributes. However, the community is inclusive, welcoming all who resonate with its ethos. The bear community celebrates acceptance and body positivity, fostering an environment where individuals can revel in their authentic selves without judgment.

Embracing Diversity:

The Bear Pride Flag is a banner under which inclusivity and body positivity reign supreme. It’s a flag that flies in the face of conventional beauty standards, celebrating the raw, natural beauty of its members. It's not just a flag; it's a declaration that everyone deserves to stand tall and proud.

Fun Fact:

The original flag included a seventh stripe in purple, which was later removed to simplify production. Each remaining color, and the paw print, now stand as timeless guardians of bear pride.

Conclusion:

The Bear Pride Flag is more than just a symbol—it's a heartwarming invitation to a community that embraces love, respect, and the freedom to express one's identity. As we wave these flags high, let's remember the myriad of stories they tell and the diverse lives they represent. On this Pride Flag Friday, let's give a mighty roar for the bear community and the rich diversity it adds to the LGBTQ+ family.


Hey everyone! Just a heads-up – if you've been feeling the Bear Pride vibes from our latest post, you're gonna love what we've got in store. Check out our Bear Pride collection on Whee! Pride for some seriously cool merch that celebrates the bear community. From cozy tees to must-have accessories, each piece is a little nod to the roar within. So why not treat yourself or a friend? After all, it's all about embracing who you are, bear hugs and all!

Explore the Bear Pride Collection