Rainbow Crossings Installed on Chiswick High Road
The crossing has the colours from the Progressive Pride Flag
February 2, 2023
New rainbow designs have been painted on four crossings on Chiswick High Road near the junction with Turnham Green Terrace and by Annandale Road.
The road was painted this Wednesday night (1 February) during an overnight closure and it is understood a further closure will be necessary on Thursday night to complete the other side of the junction.
No announcement was made about the plans, but the designs are an indication of Hounslow Council’s support for the LGBT+ community and to promote a broader message of inclusion.
Last year, the borough added rainbow stripes to a zebra crossing near the Six Bells pub in Brentford which is popular with LGBT+ customers.
This project was supported by the West London Queer Project (WLQP) which has also given its backing to the new designs in Chiswick which were paid for by the council.
Aubrey Crawley of WLQP said, "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. "
The crossing by Annandale Road
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.
Workmen installing the rainbow crossing on Turnham Green Terrace
A spokesperson for the council said, "The brilliant Rainbow Junction on Chiswick High Road has been installed by Hounslow Council to celebrate both LGBT+ History month and Football vs Homophobia month of action. This is a vivid demonstration of our commitment to LGBT+ rights. Hounslow is a borough where everyone is welcome regardless of sexual orientation or identity.
"We are also proud to support the West London Queer Project (WLQP), a Chiswick based organisation who came up with the idea to celebrate these important landmarks. WLQP have grown from a small group of friends to over 5000 members in the space of a year, a clear indication that our LGBT+ community value the fact they are beginning to feel more recognised and supported in Hounslow."
A formal opening of the crossings is planned for Friday (3 February).
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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