Disability Pride

Disability is often portrayed in society as shameful or inspirational. Many disabled people with non-apparent disabilities have a hard time coming out as disabled due to the potential negative response by family, friends, and work colleagues. Similar to LGBTQIA+ Pride and Black Pride, Disability Pride emerged as a way for the disability community to demonstrate pride in their identity and to break down stigmas about disability.

Updated in October 2021, the Disability Pride Flag was a collaborative design effort by Ann Magill, a disabled woman, with feedback within the disability community to refine its visual elements, which Ann describes as:

• The Black Field: A color of mourning and rage; for those who are victims of Ableist violence, and also rebellion and protest
• The Five Colors: The variety of needs and experiences (Invisible and undiagnosed disabilities, physical disabilities, neurodivergence, psychiatric disabilities, sensory disabilities)
• The Parallel Stripes: Solidarity within the Disability Community and all its differences
• The Diagonal Band: “Cutting across” barriers that separate disabled people; creativity and light cutting through the darkness

Important: The previous version of the flag, which had a lightning bolt design, caused a strobe/flicker effect when scrolled on electronic devices, which means it can trigger seizures, migraines, disorientation, and other types of eye strain. The new version above should be used in all web and social media content going forward.