Polysemous / Polysemy Identity ( illustrative flags )
Polysemy is the capacity of a single word or symbol to have multiple meanings / definitions / more than one connotation ( even if some of those definitions / meanings seemingly contradict each other. )
When related to one's identity it can refer to multiple things
One who is a specific identity, with that identity having multiple meanings / definitions, who identifies with all possible meanings /definitions of that identity ( including those which seem to contradict each other. )
One who is a specific identity, with that identity having multiple meanings / definitions, who identifies with most ( but not all ) meanings / definitions of that identity ( including those which seem to contradict each other. )
One who is a specific identity, with that identity having multiple meanings / definitions, who cycles through all possible meanings / definitions of that identity.
Any combination of the above ( even if putting those definitions together seems to lead to a contradictory identity. )
... and probably a few other definitions which I forgot to include. Obviously it's incredibly broad and inclusive!
( You could also replace "identity" in the above with "symbol" if you wanted to refer to your use of a specific symbol in relation to your identity. )
The flag was inspired by how purple seems to be used for ambiguity or multiplicity in concepts ( here it's for Polysemy itself. ) The outer stripes having contrasting colors and overlapping represents how definitions which seem to be contradictory still encompass the same identity and overlap.
The symbols on the bars ( a cross symbol and an asterisk ) are both used to indicate multiplication. I decided they'd be the best fit for symbols because despite being different shapes, they retain the same symbolic meaning in arithmetic, and fit in with the "multiple" theme. I made plain versions for those who dislike symbols or want to reposition them.
I made a simplified version without the overlap on the top / bottom bars for icons, edits, etc. that can't fit them in. As for how I generally intend for flags to be combined with these, you can check out my Polysemous Bi / Polysem Bi / Polysembi post here.
Similar to Recursive Gender / Recursigender and Dichotomyless / Non-Dichotomy this was mostly a fun exercise in playing around with a broader "concept" identity. I keep bringing math into these flags which is hilarious to me but I really hope I can make similar projects more often.
As always these are free to use anywhere by anyone, just throw me a credit and a link if someone asks for a source! I've uploaded the full .PSD template to my Deviantart ( isobug ) and you can find it at the post source link! It has everything for all versions of the flag and for making combo flags.
Taglist - @radiomogai, @revenant-coining
