Rainbow crossings unveiled in Hackney to celebrate Pride
To help celebrate Pride month, rainbow crossings have been popping up across the capital. Two crossings in East London have now also been given a colourful rainbow makeover, as a symbol to celebrate the local LGBTQI+ community.
One of the crossings is located on the border between Hackney and Tower Hamlets on Hackney Road, the other in the heart of Shoreditch on East Road. Both are areas with historical connections to East London’s diverse and vibrant LGBTQI+ communities.
The crossing were launched today by Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville and Mayor of Tower Hamlets John Biggs, who were joined by Cllrs Carole Williams, Hackney Cabinet Member with responsibility for Equality, Cllr Steve Race and Cllr Katie Hanson, and Tower Hamlets Cllr Kevin Brady alongside community members, council staff and dog Reggie.
These crossings provide a powerful visual reminder of our commitment to equality, with one linking two boroughs that clearly stand-up for diversity and tolerance. They are placed at the centre of the historically radical LGBTQI+ community of East London, which has contributed so much to the freedoms we have and enjoy today, but are also still here, taking part in the ongoing fight against prejudice that still exists. I’m proud to be unveiling these rainbow crossings, with colleagues, Council staff and residents, joining others across the world this Pride month, standing with the LGBTQI+ community, not only in our borough, but around the world.
It was great to join Mayor Glanville, alongside members of staff, the community and councillors from both our great boroughs to celebrate the installation of the special Pride crossing. The crossing spans the borders of Tower Hamlets and Hackney and will provide a colourful and powerful reminder of the importance of Pride, and of demonstrating our ongoing friendship and solidarity with our LGBT+ friends and neighbours.
The crossings are part of Hackney Council’s Hackney Pride 365 initiative, which aims to celebrate and support the borough’s LGBTQI+ community all year round. They will be in place for the next few months, coinciding with the Pride in London festival and will also greet visitors attending UK Black Pride’s celebration in Haggerston Park on Sunday 7 July.
