As a straight, unconventional pensioner, I have been enjoying a colourful walk from one side of Devonport Road to another. Every time I stroll across, I smile while remembering all the hullabaloo that went on to get it done. Amazingly, nothing sinister or extraordinary occurred, like I didn’t develop alternative sexual proclivities; I was just me when I arrived on the other side.
So, why do communities worry about the small things?
Like the painting of rainbow crossings?
Why do we get bent in half over rainbow crossings?
They’re nothing new; the painting of rainbows as a beacon of hope, queer visibility, safety and inclusivity, a protest against intolerance. You can view them worldwide; we now even have one in Tauranga.
At the same time, they’ve also produced the worst in us: bigotry, vandalism and hate. The crossings are regular targets of homophobic attacks and vandalism. And New Zealand’s not immune. People have painted out the Gisborne and Karangahape Rd rainbow crossings. Which have been repainted.
“Urban terrorists!” can be heard from all walks of life, from suburban to city streets.
So what are we all antsy about? A rainbow pedestrian crossing, a lovely, bright, expressive statement traversing Devonport Rd. It is all very symbolic, so they say, a safe passage across the city’s main street, straight to the library’s front doors, an institution promoting knowledge, personal growth, empowerment and community engagement.
So, it’s not just a crossing. Much, much more than a crossing.
A bold nod to a sizeable but largely invisible demographic in this city, the 16,000-strong LGBTQI+ community, which has been quietly making a positive contribution since forever. Yes, 16,000 – 10% of the city’s population. Significant.
“Life is art, and art is life,” according to Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei.
Whether it’s a crossing, an installation, or a painting. Art reflects and reveals a lot about ourselves; it adds meaning and uniqueness to a city.
It’s time to embrace the rainbow, not just in the sky but also on our streets.
Life at No. 22 
I love your inclusivity, Suzanne. And so sorry to hear that such bigotry exists in New Zealand too. We’ve always considered New Zealand one of the kind/sane places to live – a fantasy perhaps, considering human nature. I think the rainbow crosswalks are fun and would be happy to cross the street on one.
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I suppose compared to many other countries NZ is a laidback society though there are and always will be those that want their views to be heard above all others.
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On thing I’ve been learning during the mess over here is how small a group the loud-mouths are. And they wield immense power simply by being disruptive.
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Sounds like similar groups here and unfortunately some individuals base their beliefs on overseas politics or religious cults.
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Sigh.
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People get up in arms about the strangest things, don’t they?
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You’re certainly correct, Anabel. Perhaps it’s all about control. Dare I say it, these things are usually driven by men, scared of their own sexuality?
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Maybe so. Or just intolerance of any difference.
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Intolerance would sum up many of the world’s current issues.
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It’s hard to believe that this is still controversial, and how some brightly painted stripes can be seen as a threat.
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The threat is possibly not wanting minority groups to have a stronger voice than theirs – they being right wing zealous “Christian” groups. They also used the old excuse of the local council don’t have the funds for frivolous “things” like a minor paint job.
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I remember reading something like: giving someone their rights doesn’t mean there are fewer rights for you… it’s not a pie.
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Very true, an excellent way of letting people know there’s no need to feel threatened for whatever reason. Though the majority of people don’t like change.
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Bigotry is taught…a conditioning, we’re not born with it…
I think it’s easier for people to throw stones at the minority than what’s really important about global issues. Maybe many are too overwhelmed to address the real problems that affect the world – still too many wars happening.
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Nilla, you are right it is a conditioning. It takes a very strong person to leave all those values and beliefs we were brought up with and to create totally new ones. Thankfully, most of us were brought up to be good people and learn to have open minds. Travel does that 🙂
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Indeed, more people need to travel! 😉
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Travel does open your mind, as we are both well travelled. Then again, so do books and belonging and giving back to a community. All enrich us in various ways.
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That’s so true Suzanne. Not enough books are read by children these days. Books definitely developed my imagination at a young age.
Giving back to a community is always enriching…we would like to return to Ukraine for more volunteering, but it’s even more volatile now with recent events in the US.
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Nilla, I think you’re both done an amazing job over there without putting yourself at risk again. Perhaps searching for that idyllic isolated Aussie beach? 😊
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We both like to help where we can.
Now, that sounds wonderful!! We’re in Oz this year, but who knows what’s installed for 2026.
Hope all’s well with you.
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I’m not sure what my future brings and whether it will include overseas travel. Time will tell. At the moment, my energy is focussed on making the last stage of Les’s life comfortable and hopefully pain free.
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So sorry to hear this news, Suzanne. What an awful time. Les has been through so much but you’ve also been through a lot mentally.
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You know that head in the sand person? I guess it’s me! I had no idea that there were these issues. In my dumb way, I just admire… and cross over xx
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Not sure you are that head in the sand person, Jo. I don’t suppose the LGBTQI+ community would be aired in public within Catholic dominated countries?
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Not in any obvious way, or maybe I don’t always recognise it, Susanne. People are people, right? xx
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Beautifully done
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Unfortunately the bigotry exists everywhere. For me, it’s live and let live and a rainbow crossing is a bit of lightness and colour. There should be more!
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Seems strange to me that people are worried about this, but much of what worries people seems strange to me.
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Sometimes when people have no control of their lives their focus can be directed on protesting on social issues. We have a few here that do it on a professional level and hide under the disguise of acting for the people. Yeah right.
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My Gay son cannot understand why Straight town council members feel the need to paint the crossings in the first place. These interfering Lefty Woke people are responsible for deepening the divisions. Who are they trying to please and appease?
My son hates the term LGBTQ… community. He doesn’t want to be singled out and told he belongs to a different community from us. He doesn’t belong to it. He’s a just man who just happens to be Gay. He’s far from alone in his views!
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Sue, good point and each to their own. Perhaps similar to women who like to dress boldly and loud bright gaudy flowery dresses, not a style for us all. The people who wanted the rainbow crossing were the LGBTQ community not the community. Those opposed were mainly the born again Christians and white middle class men. I think we all belong to communities within communities.
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Oops! My last dictated comment went before I had finished speaking and editing. I intended to say that my son‘s issues are feeling separated from the rest of us, almost as though he doesn’t belong with us.
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That’s a complex issue, and one many people grapple with whether they’re gay or not. The state of a modern society, some would say. We all have to feel we belong somewhere and with our chosen “tribe” for the sake of our mental and physical well-being. I hope your son no longer feels disconnected.
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You are right, none of us like being labelled. He’s fine Suzanne, thank you, and very comfortable in his skin.
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Sue, that’s good to hear. Being at peace with who we are and all our quirks is important. I think I’m nearly there 😊
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I especially liked that Janis pointed out that allowing other people to exercise their human rights doesn’t diminish yours. You have to wonder just what harm comes to people walking on a rainbow crossing. It would make me smile!
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I, too, liked Janis comment. Makes me smile and does no harm, so why not 🙂
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You gotta love a rainbow. It represents all that is good in the World. Mel
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Absolutely, Mel 😊
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