Celebrities Turn Out for Launch of Chiswick's Rainbow Crossings
The new crossings get the Abbey Road treatment. Picture: Hounslow Council
February 4, 2023
Chiswick’s new rainbow crossings were officially opened this Friday (3 February) with a number of celebrities present for the launch.
Colourful designs have been painted on four crossings on Chiswick High Road near the junction with Turnham Green Terrace and by Annandale Road.
They appeared this Wednesday night (1 February) during an overnight closure with no prior announcement, but the designs are an indication of Hounslow Council’s support for the LGBT+ community and to promote a broader message of inclusion.
Among the invited guests for the official launch were TV presenters Clare Balding and Nicki Chapman, Brentford FC legend, Marcus Gayle and McFly drummer Harry Judd.
They were joined by Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, leader of Hounslow Council as well as three people instrumental in making the crossings a reality, Ollie Saunders of the Chiswick Flower Market, Aubrey Crawley of the West London Queer Project (WLQP) and Cllr Ranjit Gill.
The idea was the brainchild of WLQP, who the Council have worked with over the past year during Pride 2022, and in the development of a new Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion strategy. The council paid for the installation of the crossings.
The opening was timed to mark the start of both LGBT+ History month and Football vs Homophobia month of action and female footballers from Actonians FC were also present.
As well as the colours of the rainbow, the designs incorporate other colours from the Progressive Pride Flag with light blue, pink and white stripes representing trans and non-binary individuals and the brown and black ones for marginalised People of Colour (POC) communities.
Left to Right on left side of crossing – Marcus Gayle, Harry Judd, Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Aubrey Crawley. Right side of crossing – Clare Balding and Alice Arnold, Nicki Chapman. In background: Cllr Ranjit Gill and Ollie Saunders. Picture: Anna Kunst
Aubrey Crawley, founder of WLQP said, “We are delighted to continue a successful association with the Council and celebrate these important landmarks in such a public way.
“WLQP are also working with Brentford Football Club, as part of their support of Football vs Homophobia’s month of action, with skills sessions for the LGBT+ community and further supportive activity before their home game against Crystal Palace on 18 February.”
He added, "These crossings will continue to show that the LGBT+ community is present and a part of Chiswick, and a reminder that everyone is welcome in W4 regardless of their sexuality.
"Unfortunately homophobia and prejudice are still very much present, and the local community stands together to remember the importance of tolerance and respect for all.
"These crossings are very bold and powerful statement of love, understanding and acceptance for anyone who is struggling with their gender or sexuality. "
Workmen installing the rainbow crossing on Turnham Green Terrace
Leader of the Council, Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, commented, “Hounslow is a borough where everyone is welcome regardless of sexual orientation or identity. WLQP have grown from a small group of friends to a borough wide organisation of more than 5000 members in under a year; a clear indication of the need for our LGBT+ community to have a voice, recognition, and support.”
Last year, the borough added rainbow stripes to a zebra crossing near the Six Bells pub in Brentford which was popular with LGBT+ customers.
Representatives of the RNIB have, in the past, expressed concern about rainbow crossings and the possible confusion they could cause to guide dogs. However, the new designs are at signalised crossings which provide auditory indications to help people with restricted vision negotiate them.
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