Construction has begun on a new raised intersection at Bourke and Forbes streets in Darlinghurst, which will feature a “progress pride flag” painted on the road, celebrating people of diverse sexualities and genders once complete.
The intersection will permanently showcase the vibrant pride flag design, enhance street safety near Taylor Square and guide people towards Qtopia Sydney, the recently opened centre for queer history and culture located in the former Darlinghurst police station.
The work includes raising a section of the road to slow traffic and prioritise pedestrian safety, upgrading the footpath, and improving drainage. The City of Sydney estimates the project will take about three months to complete. Once the surface is ready, the flag will be painted in time for next year’s Mardi Gras.
“We understand visibility and inclusion are key to a vibrant, welcoming and safe city and Sydney is committed to loudly declaring our support for LGBTIQA+ locals and visitors,” Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said in a statement.
“These rainbows at Taylor Square celebrate diversity, and we’re committed to building on Oxford Street’s reputation as an iconic precinct, buzzing with activity day and night.”
This construction follows the City of Sydney’s updates to the rainbow crossing at Bourke and Campbell streets (on the opposite side of Taylor Square) and the 90-metre rainbow footpath in Prince Alfred Park, Surry Hills, both of which now feature the more inclusive progress pride flag.
The progress pride flag incorporates elements of the traditional rainbow flag to represent First Nations people, people of colour, and trans, gender-diverse, and non-binary communities.
The updated rainbow road works stem from a 2023 decision by the City of Sydney Council, which included updating existing rainbow flag artworks to the more inclusive progress pride flag design. The council also requested its CEO to explore additional locations and opportunities for new pride crossings.
The lord mayor said the new rainbows are one way the City of Sydney is maintaining cultural heritage.
On another matter, Moore said the first of three blocks currently under redevelopment on the northern side of Oxford Street is expected to reopen to the public before the next Mardi Gras.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
