Available in our UK and European online stores only
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Sunflower lanyard and wristband and our partnerships with the European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA), ParaPride in the UK and Valentino Vecchietti (she/her), the creator of the Intersex-Inclusive Pride flag. Our collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to advocacy and education, and we look forward to working together to create a more inclusive world.
The Intersex-Inclusive Pride flag
Although many in the Sunflower community have asked us to create a Pride Sunflower lanyard over the last few years, we decided not to until we had sustainable and long-lasting partnerships to ensure genuine representation and impact. So this year, we sought Valentino Vecchietti’s permission to design a Sunflower lanyard and wristband using the Intersex-Inclusive Pride flag. The new Sunflower lanyard features a vibrant design incorporating the Intersex-Inclusive Pride flag, symbolising our commitment to representing all aspects of the LGBTI+ community.
“Inclusive is the keyword in my Intersex-Inclusive Pride flag, and I’m delighted and honoured to collaborate with HIdden Disabilities Sunflower, ParaPride, and the European Pride Organisers Association to recognise the intersection of disability within our global LGBTIA+ community. This collaboration serves to empower our diverse community, extend inclusivity, and bring joy.”
Partnerships with EPOA and ParaPride
We are excited about our partnerships with the European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA) and ParaPride in the UK.
EPOA supports and advocates for the LGBTI+ Pride movement in Europe. EOPA members are Pride organisations that organise events throughout the year, and they have 100 member organisations in more than 40 countries. As part of this collaboration, we will be providing complimentary Sunflower Memberships to all Prides within EPOA’s network, enhancing accessibility and support for their organisations and events. In addition, a portion of the sales from our Sunflower Pride collection will be allocated to fund the purchase of Sunflower lanyards for smaller LGBTI+ organisations within their network, furthering Sunflower’s commitment to creating a more accepting and equitable world for all.
Click here to view EPOA Sunflower members
We’ve also partnered with ParaPride to further inclusivity and support for members of the LGBTIQ+ community with disabilities in the UK. Daniele Lul, co-founder of ParaPride, comments:
‘As an empowerment charity that advocates for the visibility, education and awareness of LGBTIQA+ disabled people, ParaPride is honoured and proud to partner with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. We acknowledge the remarkable work this organisation does to inform the wider public about non-visible disabilities, globally, and spreading awareness of the many health conditions that may not be apparent. We look forward to fostering a supportive and sustainable relationship. Every disabled person has the right to feel safe, welcome and included.’
Celebrate the power of inclusivity
Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, comments:
“Launching the new Sunflower Lanyard represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity and support within our community. We are excited about our partnerships with EPOA and ParaPride and look forward to supporting Pride events and organisations with our new Sunflower Intersex-Inclusive Pride flag Sunflower lanyard. Together, we can celebrate love, identity, and the power of inclusivity.”
Available products
With support from Valentino Vecchietti (she/her) and partnerships with EPOA and ParaPride, the Sunflower is supporting the creation of a more inclusive and accepting world for everyone. We invite you to join us by purchasing our Intersex-Inclusive Pride flag Sunflower lanyards and wristbands, available only in our UK and European online stores. Other regions will be added as we announce partnerships with Pride organisations in each area.
#BeSeenWithSunflower
#LGBTISunflower
#GlobalInclusivePrideFlag
#ValentinoVecchietti
#IntersexEqualityRights
#EPOA
#ParaPride
#LGBTI
#LGBTIAQ
About Valentino Vecchietti
Valentino Vecchietti (she/her) is the creator of our current global Pride flag, the Intersex-Inclusive Pride flag, and she works globally to create LGBTIA+ inclusion, representation, and funding. Vecchietti is also the founder of Intersex Equality Rights, an intersex-led organisation focused on research, campaigns, and advocacy. Vecchietti’s work has been recognised on the Diva Power List, The Pride Power List, The Independent Pride List, Lesbian 100 List.
About the Intersex-Inclusive Pride flag
The Intersex-Inclusive Pride flag was created by Valentino Vecchietti (she/her) in 2021 and subsequently became a global viral sensation. It is a SOGIESC inclusive flag, representing persons with diverse sexual orientations, diverse gender identities and expressions, and those with diverse sex characteristics. Diverse sex characteristics refer to the intersex community. Sex characteristics are a new category not previously included in our global Pride flag. Vecchietti’s flag also updated the rainbow stripes to explicitly include representation of diverse orientations such as asexual and aromantic. This Pride flag respects and includes the intentions of the previous iterations of the Pride flags and includes representation for black, brown, people of colour, and Indigenous populations in the LGBTI+ community. As well as recognizing the continued stigma surrounding those living with HIV/AIDS and those we have lost to HIV/AIDS. Vecchietti’s Pride flag reflects the SOGIESC international human rights law: Yogyakarta Principles +10.
To learn more, visit The Global Inclusive Pride flag website
About the European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA)
The European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA) is a network of European lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) Pride organisations.
EPOA holds the rights to the trademark EuroPride, and our purpose of EPOA is to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex Pride on a pan-European level and to empower and support local and national pride organisations in their efforts of planning and promoting Pride both as a celebration but also as a vital human rights movement. EPOA also facilitates networking and skill-sharing among members through our AGM and annual conference, and other trainings, seminars and webinars. We also advocate for the Pride movement at national and international levels, including at the European Parliament.
To learn more, visit the European Pride Organisers Association website
About ParaPride
ParaPride is an empowerment charity that advocates for the visibility, education and awareness of LGBTIQA+ disabled people. It is a grassroots organisation run by a group of volunteers, and our lived experiences are at the core of our values.
ParaPride started based on a need to address the lack of inclusion for disabled people within the LLGBTIQA+ community, a need for more accessible LGBTIQA+ spaces, and a need to promote body positivity around different bodies and being able to celebrate that. Given the high percentage of LGBTIQA+ people who identify as having a disability, long-term illness, and/or caring responsibilities, there is a stark lack of visibility and education that surrounds people who sit in the cross-section of these intersectional communities.
ParaPride also wants to challenge the misrepresentation of disabled people, often portrayed as a vulnerable community in need of special care. We are much more than that. We do not want to be defined by our disabilities. We are only disabled by the barriers presented by society.
To learn more, visit the ParaPride website
About Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
The Sunflower Lanyard is a global symbol of inclusivity and support for individuals with non-visible disabilities, conditions and chronic illnesses. By wearing the Sunflower symbol, individuals can discreetly indicate their need for additional assistance or accommodations in public settings, fostering a more understanding and supportive environment.