The Disability Flag Precious, created by Jeanette Fridh, has since its introduction become a powerful symbol of pride, diversity and equality in the disability rights movement. Now, the flag takes a new step in its journey with the launch of the song We Are Precious – a grand musical manifestation for rights and equality.
The disability flag Precious
For over three decades, Jeanette Fridh from Sweden has fought to make people with disabilities and their rights visible. With a background in social work and advocacy, she has been a driving force for change over the years, a work of passion that stems from her own role as a mother of a son with disabilities.
When she created the Disability Flag Precious, she wanted to give the movement a unifying symbol, a flag that could be worn with pride at demonstrations, events and in everyday life.
Since its launch, the flag has spread across Sweden and internationally, been hoisted at official events and become a strong recognition factor in the disability rights struggle.
Jeanette is well aware of the existing Disability Pride flag but would like to argue that her Disability Flag Precious differs in its unique symbolism and colour scheme that highlights the value and self-esteem of the individual rather than simply marking the common identity of a group – much as the different groups of disabilities are evident on the Disability Flag Precious.
It is more about seeing each individual as precious and valuable, making it a more emotional and personal expression of disability and its representatives – which is now further emphasised by a common song meant to create an even more unified message.
Symbol and colour representation
Symbols on the yellow field to the right of the Disability Flag Precious, are four symbols that represent different disabilities:
- The eye stands for the visually impaired
- The faces stand for visible and invisible disabilities
- The wheelchair stands for accessibility and mobility impairment,
- The ear stands for people with hearing loss and sign language.
We Are Precious
After the flag became a reality, a new vision emerged – to give it a voice.
The song We Are Precious is a powerful and beautiful anthem of strength and unity, a song that carries and conveys the power of the message of the equal value of all.
For the project, Jeanette collaborated with music producer Tobias Ekqvist, who composed and adapted the lyrics with her, and Saga Uvemark, who then lent her voice to the flag.
Together they have created a song that both touches and inspires, and We Are Precious serves as a reminder that every individual has unique value and that together we can change the world.
We Are Precious is OUT NOW!
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