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I say this as an out and proud lesbian…..WTF is with all the rainbow crosswalks? One crosswalk to show support is wonderful but not necessary, the rest are a total waste of money. Why don’t we save that money and put it towards LGBT+ youth homelessness or trans rights or any one of the many problems that are still facing our community? Rainbows are nice but don’t let them fool us into believing our work is done. —How Much Did That Cost Anyway?
This article appears in Jul 21-27, 2016.
For the same reason our government is bringing in thousands of Syrian refugees (10x less than could be helped if the money were used to have them relocated elsewhere in the middle east); Because it makes them look good. Getting power and holding is more important to politicians than doing something legitimately good for the people.
So let’s be clear, Halifax painted the crosswalks, not the feds or the province. Halifax doesn’t fund LGBT+ youth homelessness or trans rights or any other type of program including bringing in Syrian refugees – it’s not in their wheelhouse. So, how can the city promote gay rights? Rainbow crosswalks. Please become informed to avoid sticking your feet in your mouths.
They only did four intersections from what I saw in the news. Which is not all that many in the scheme of things. Therefore, only 16 bright and snazzy rainbow crosswalks were painted. And likely not all that expensive considering what HRM has wasted over the past few years with rebranding signs and other things. Also, in this instance though meant to raise awareness of the gay and associated communities under the LGBTQ etc. umbrella the image of a rainbow has often been a beacon of hope for many people trying to overcome adversity or intolerance. Do not forget Judy (and many others) have sung Somewhere Over the Rainbow for everyone who may be in need of hope of a better future. And if you try you may even find a pot of gold. Appreciate the splash of colour in this often grey and foggy town in what is usually just a very low key pedestrian item. Pardon the pun.
Sigh. The Alphabet police strikes again.
The rainbow crosswalks have been a nice little pickup for the downtown at a time when so much around us seems like bad news. I think they’re quite lovely and tell visitors and remind us that acceptance of all is our ideal. Is it entirely ideal for those young people who have found only rejection and abuse at the hands of their families for being LGBTQ+? No, but anything we do to offer comfort and hope to them is better than doing nothing at all. Rainbow crosswalks are a gesture, but it’s a gesture behind which sits a predominantly accepting and welcoming city, province and nation.
I like the rainbow sidewalks. They are practical unlike the ‘ships start here’ signs.
I thought the rainbows brightened things up nicely. They would still be great even if they weren’t associated with any cause. One of the main roles of government is to improve the quality of life of citizens. A little bit of aesthetic enhancement like planting trees, cleaning streets and sidewalks, and, yes, spending a few bucks on decorations like the rainbows, goes a a long way to making the city cheerful and enhancing well being. And it’s been proven that there is less crime in a well kept and tidy place so there’s an extra bonus.
Damned if you do…