A puffin crossing in Bristol is proudly celebrating the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) community by displaying all the colours of the Pride Progress Flag.
The crossing on Wine Street at the top of Union Street has had the iconic rainbow* painted across the ground this week as Bristol prepares to celebrate Pride, the annual celebration of LGBTQ+ people and rights that takes place each July.
Mayor Marvin Rees said: “We are delighted to mark the start of Pride Month with a rainbow crossing that will create a tribute to the LGBTQ+ community who bring so much diversity and vibrancy to our city. Bristol prides itself on being inclusive and we are committed to ensuring it is a safe space for everyone. Displaying the Pride rainbow flag in this busy city centre location will help us to declare that Bristol welcomes and champions LGBTQ+ people. I encourage everyone to get involved with Bristol Pride’s programme of events which provide us with the chance to come together, celebrate diversity, and take a positive stand against discrimination.”
Although the planned march is unable to go ahead due to COVID-19 restrictions, Bristol Pride will feature a programme of events that will span two weeks from Saturday 3 July – Friday 16 July.
The crossing is being delivered in time for the Pride celebration and will be in place for the foreseeable future.
Daryn Carter MBE, Bristol Pride, said: “We are so excited to have a rainbow crossing installed in Bristol as we launch this year’s Bristol Pride festival. The crossing will serve as a reminder that Bristol welcomes everyone and the city’s commitment to equality and we’re thankful to Bristol City Council for making this happen.
“Visibility for the LGBT+ community is still an issue and the impact of Covid has meant we are all feeling isolated and disconnected from each other. It will be a positive, unmissable reminder to celebrate diversity in all its forms and for us all to step up and stand up against prejudice and hate, as we keep striving towards creating a better society for all.”
The rainbow crossing uses all the colours from the Pride Progress Flag, but it was decided not to use the chevron. This is due to road safety concerns as it could be seen by pedestrians as an arrow, which could cause confusion.
Cllr Helen Godwin, Cabinet Member for Families, Education and Women, said: “We want to send a message loud and clear that Bristol is a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people. I am pleased that we have been able to deliver the rainbow crossing in time for the Pride celebration, which will serve as a colourful and meaningful feature for the city centre.”
Bristol City Hall will also be flying the rainbow flag and the building will be lit up with the colours of the rainbow during the Pride festival period.
