Plural Rings

undefined: ''This page is for the plural rings symbol. For the version associated with Emmengard's origin terms, see Emmengard's plural rings.''

The plural rings are a widely recognized symbol for plurality. It consists of four interlocking rings forming a venn diagram. The symbol is often used to represent plural pride or activism.

According ouregaiya's website, who include the creator of this symbol, "This design is copyright-free and has no registration or trademark. It is free and open to the public. Please post it on your web sites and blogs. You can personalize it as you see fit... words, colors etc. But the symbol needs to remain the same."

History
The symbol was created for the Plural Activism Yahoo group October 11, 2011.

It's unclear who exactly coined the term, but it was circulated and at least "spiffed up" by Tracee of ouregaiya, but may have originally been created by Iris of Astraea.

The term was frequently used by ouregaiya in their plural activism. It was also used by the Multiplicity 101 plural activism podcast.

The symbol was originally more like an oval, but became more circular over time.

Emmengard's Version
The use of it as a symbol for origin came from Emmengard system in 2019.

See Emmengard's plural rings for more information.

Queer-buccaneers' Version
Queer-buccaneer created a flag loosely based on the interlocking circles. It is intended to represent queer plurals and those with a complicated relationship to gender, sexuality, or orientation.

In merch
Spacerobot Studio has a colored version of the interlocking rings available on their shop, which can be purchased as pendants.

There is also a Plural Pride Cafepress which sells various versions.