I was recently reminded of the pride sashes that came out three quarters of a year ago. I remember thinking when they came out that they were cool. In fact, some of them really appeal to my aesthetic and I'd love to add them to my wardrobe as optional fashion accessories.

However, I'm not sure if it would be okay to wear them if I do not identify - or do not wish to be identified - with the group they're supposed to represent. If I was to wear one of the sashes, would someone automatically assume I was whatever that sash represented? Or does it not even register?

Also, would it be seen as offensive if I was to wear a sash for a group that I do not represent?

I'm pretty private about my own sexuality - it's just not something I like to discuss, except with any potential partners. I have no problem with people who are vocal about their own sexuality, however. It's just not my thing.

Anyway, tl;dr - can the pride sashes be fashion accessories worn by anybody, or do they operate more like exclusive labels?

P.S. I really hope this wasn't offensive to anyone. I feel 216% awkward just asking.

i cant speak for all non-straight people on subeta, but this is my opinion as a non-straight person:

I think it's totally fine to wear them purely for the aesthetic as long as you're not like... homophobic or something lol. That being said, re: your question about if the sashes would imply your sexuality to someone, i would say yes. maybe some of the flags more than others, but to me if I see the sashes I automatically think ___ pride. I think you could probably do some skillful layering and make it less obvious that the sashes were part of the series, but I would say in some capacity people would assume that's what you're trying to represent, especially since that was the point of them in the first place.

tl;dr, i don't personally see a huge issue with wearing them (perhaps other non-straight people on subeta feel another way), but i do not think people see them as an accessory unassociated with sexuality.

Nah, I think you're fine :) I can't say that people will or won't make assumptions, but I wouldn't really expect anyone to bring it up or question you about it even if they assumed it applied. I don't usually give it much thought when I see someone with the sash on their HA (though I do probably tend to assume it applies, admittedly, especially if it doesn't super match their outfit) but it wouldn't offend me to find out it didn't apply either. I'd just think of it as support :)

It's still an item on a pet site available for free use; I hope no one would have a problem with you wearing them. I'm Bi and bought every sash because yay representation and yay they look nice. I certainly wouldn't care if you wore ours.

Thanks for the feedback, guys. :) I decided to go ahead and get a couple and will possibly use them in the future.