News / Bristol Pride
How Bristol has reacted to the city’s first rainbow crossing
Reaction to Bristol’s first rainbow crossing has been overwhelmingly positive.
The crossing which uses all the colours from the Pride Progress flag has immediately become the city’s newest tourist attraction and if you haven’t yet taken a photo of it, can you even call yourself an Instagrammer?
But the crossing on Wine Street has also been called “performative” and come in for criticism with the council choosing to spend money on it while not fixing potholes.
is needed now More than ever
Some people on social media have even questioned the legality of the crossing.
Former London mayoral candidate Laurence Fox has joined the debate, tweeting: “What could possibly go wrong?”
Bristol Pride’s Daryn Carter thanked Bristol City Council for installing the crossing MBE, Bristol Pride, saying that it “will serve as a reminder that Bristol welcomes everyone and the city’s commitment to equality”.
He added: “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.”
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees added: “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.”
Pictured at the unveiling of the crossing are (front) deputy mayor Asher Craig, Daryn Carter from Bristol Pride, cabinet member Helen Godwin, Cabinet Member for Families, Education and Women; and (back) Marty Spellacey, Michelle McMorrow and Paul Watts – Bristol City Council staff LGBTQ+ champions – photo: Bristol City Council
“This makes my heart proud,” wrote Kim Palmer on Instagram.
On Facebook, Sarah Woods wrote: “Shout out to all these bitter old people coming up with feeble excuses of why this is a bad idea as a thinly veiled reason to cover up the fact they’re massive homophobic bigots.
“It’s a rainbow. Painted on the floor. The rainbow won’t hurt you. The rainbows not stealing your pension and burning down your village.
“It’s a rainbow to represent solidarity and understanding of individuals from the LGBTQ community and the difficulties they may face in relation to acceptance and freedom to be themselves.
“If you can’t grasp that then there’s something seriously wrong with you.”
Main photo & video: Martin Booth
Read more: Bristol gets its first rainbow crossing
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
