Don’t Get Angry, Get #DIYRAINBOWCROSSING

rainbow crossing 1

The removal of the rainbow crossing across Sydney’s famed Oxford Street last week caused uproar within the community. The rainbow crossing acted as a symbol of pride and a short-lived tourist attraction, popping up on thousands of intagram accounts to mark the 35th annual Sydney Mardi Gras. The road served no threat to commuters and was also deemed safe by the RTA at time of installation. Unfortunately, unlike other monuments, which were originally meant to be temporary (Eiffel Tower, anyone?) the beloved ‘Rainbow Road’ was ordered to be removed citing safety reasons (ironically) by Roads Minister Duncan Gay. We’re pretty sure there may be some political undertone there.

However, just as we thought all the colour had gone from the land of Oz, overnight a new warrior appeared, James Brechney; armed with a bucket of chalk. “It was really sad to see the State Government rip up the rainbow crossing. France and Uruguay legalised gay marriage this week and we can’t even seem to paint a strip of bitumen in Sydney,” Mr Brechney said. “I got some chalk from a local bookstore and thought it would be a great tribute to the end of the actual crossing.”

Chalking the streets to make a difference, Brechney is now overwhelmed at the worldwide response his act of courage has taken, with hundreds of people making their own #DIYRAINBOW’s not just in Sydney, Australia, but as far as the England and America.

Below are some of our favourites. Join the movement over on Facebook and remember, “don’t get Angry, get chalking!”

jack

 

Words by Jack Colwell