The flag represents the transgender community and consists of five horizontal stripes. The Anarchist black flag has been an anarchist symbol since the 1880s. The Black Flag was flown by certain irregular Confederate Army units in the American Civil War of 1861–1865 to symbolize that they would neither give, nor accept quarter symbolizing the opposite of the white flag of surrender. Defense Department says the flag should only be flown upside down “to convey a sign of distress or great danger.”Jan 13, 2021. Is it disrespectful to fly the flag upside down?įlying the American flag upside down is considered by many, including those who have served our country in uniform, to be disrespectful.