Carole Williams, Philip Glanville, John Biggs and Kevin Brady Pic: Hackney Council
Local dignitaries in Tower Hamlets and Hackney have inaugurated a rainbow-painted pedestrian crossing on the border between the boroughs to celebrate the local LGBT+ community.
Philip Glanville, the Mayor of Hackney, John Biggs, the Mayor of Tower Hamlets took to the crossing on Hackney road with Hackney councillor Carole Williams and Tower Hamlets councillor Kevin Brady.
The crossing is one of several across the capital including one in Shoreditch on East Road. These are diverse areas with a historical background of LGBT+ communities. According to the August 2018 GP patient survey, in Hackney 9 per cent of the population identifies as gay or lesbian, bisexual or other diverse sexual orientation, which are high numbers comparatively with London’s 3 per cent.
Glanville said: “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.”
Biggs said: “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.”
Residents are posting pictures of the crossing in social media
The crossings will stay in place over the next few months, coinciding with the month-long Pride in London festival and the UK Black Pride celebration on Haggerston Park on July 7. These events are a part of the Council initiative Hackney Price 365, which celebrates the borough’s LGBT+ community all year round.
