Members from the LGBTQIA+ community have welcomed the newly painted rainbow coloured pedestrian crossing in Green Point, saying it symbolises that they are being acknowledged in society.
Last week, Green Point became the proud host of a pedestrian crossing in the rainbow colours symbolic of the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and others) community.
The crossing is located along Somerset Road, between the intersections of Alfred Street and Dixon Street.
It is also supplemented with a pink strip, painted on the sidewalks, which serves as a Pink Route to guide visitors and tourists through this iconic LGBTQI+ neighbourhood and beyond.
The pink lane runs along Somerset Road, all the way from the intersection with Liddle Street, and then along Dixon, Waterkant and Rose streets, up to the intersection with Strand Street.
The City says the area has always been home to many of the LGBTQIA+ social amenities in the Mother City.
According to the City, this “place maker” precinct activator is the first of its kind in Cape Town and is aimed at re-invigorating the buzz of the LGBTQIA+ district using road markings.
The paint used for the pedestrian crossing and Pink Route complies with the South African National Standards (SANS) for road markings.
Nicole Alexander, Director of the Pride Shelter, says: “In my opinion this is an acknowledgement to say that we are acknowledged in society because as much as we talk about inclusivity and want to create safe spaces for the LGBTQI+ community, but to actually see it whether it be on a building, a pamphlet, or a street, being acknowledged is a huge thing.”
She adds: “I would have liked the City to have painted it in the communities where homophobia takes place. Where we as the queer organisations work in and where LGBT folks really need the help and support of feeling heard, seen and feel safe.”
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says the pedestrian crossing signifies the City’s aim to be inclusive.
“Cape Town is known for its vibrant LGBTQIA+ nightlife and community. We want all to feel welcome in our city where we embrace diversity and the addition of this bold pedestrian crossing to our road network will help spread this message. It also speaks to innovation in public spaces and support for public art that we’d like to foster.”
Rob Quintas, Mayco member for urban mobility, says the Pink Route is about 20 cm wide, and painted on the sidewalk.
“This is a fun way for visitors to get to know the area and a great addition to our tourist offering soon before the peak holiday season. It is also intended to create awareness and celebrate Cape Town as an inclusive city.”
Quintas says there are many more spaces in the city that can be looked into in future and where heritage or unique attractions can be amplified by using sidewalks and pedestrian crossings.
“I’m calling on visitors and residents to look out for this crossing, and to follow the Pink Route as they explore this part of our city.”
Alexander says while efforts are being made society can do more to include members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Acknowledge that we are all human beings. Society can assist by creating safe spaces to be heard and to be included. For the trans community to have a voice in society as well. They also have their set of challenges. Most importantly respecting each other.”
Ian McMahon, Ward 115 councillor, says before he became a ward councillor this was his vision as a resident of De Waterkant in 2019.
“Late 2019 or early 2020, although I was chair of the De Waterkant Civic Association, in my personal capacity, I approached the City, with an idea to create a rainbow crossing in De Waterkant, with examples of others and three suggested locations. It stalled and never went anywhere. Almost three years later, when I’m now ward councillor of the same precinct – to see it being implemented on the street on De Waterkant.”
Alexander says they are grateful to the City.
“We want to say thank you for taking the initiative and saying, ‘we see you; we hear you and you are being heard’.”
