The City of Greater Geelong has unveiled a permanent rainbow pedestrian crossing on Yarra Street, under the Westfield flyover, as a symbol of pride in the diversity of the region and a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The rainbow flag (also known as the Pride flag) is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) pride and social movements.
The rainbow design chosen for the crossing is based on Valentino Vecchietti’s progress pride flag design, the most current and inclusive rainbow flag to date.
The flag has integrated, alongside the traditional rainbow colors, the transgender flag, intersex flag and the brown and black lines to represent all people of colour, including First Nations Australians.
The need for a rainbow crossing in Geelong has been expressed by the community consistently over the last four years.
Planning was initiated which included the installation of a non-permanent mini crossing in Little Malop Street, at the launch of Geelong Rainbow Festival 2020.
However, the planning for the permanent crossing stalled until 2022 due to the COVID 19 Pandemic.
Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken
The installation signifies the City’s commitment to the region’s diverse rainbow community.
The rainbow crossing forms a vibrant and colourful representation of the City’s support for the local rainbow community.
The installation of a permanent rainbow crossing is a part of the broader City strategy to be an inclusive local government.
Amanda Glasson – LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee and Liberty Disability Services Director
It’s great to see City of Greater Geelong visually representing our PRIDE community, showing that we are all welcome here, taking a hardline stance on LGBTQIASB+ discrimination and moving towards being an inclusive city.
The rainbow crossing means a lot to so many within our local community.
Jen Walsh – LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee member
The region’s LGBTQIA+ community is grateful for the City’s investment in the rainbow crossing.
It is a powerful symbol of hope for all LGBTIQA+ people and their loved ones across the region.
The colours represented by the Progress Flag indicate that all City of Greater Geelong residents have the right to live as our authentic selves, and that our LGBTIQA+ identities deserve to be celebrated.
At a time when a lot of LGBTIQA+ people are doing it tough, this rainbow crossing is a strong sign of solidarity and strength.
