The arched roads on both sides of Oxford Street at Taylor Square are now painted with pride, right in time for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
The City of Sydney has completed work on a new colourful Progress Pride flag and raised intersection at Taylor Square where Forbes and Bourke streets meet outside Qtopia, Sydney’s home of queer history and culture.
The new rainbow treatment mirrors Sydney’s original rainbow crossing on the other side of Taylor Square on Campbell Street.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said visibility is vital in creating an inclusive city for all. “Sydney is a welcoming and safe city that loudly and proudly supports LGBTIQA+ locals and visitors,” said the Lord Mayor.
“This is yet another reminder of the iconic Oxford Street precinct’s connection to pride, identity, culture and community. I hope everyone dancing past at this year’s Mardi Gras Parade enjoys this new, joyous celebration of rainbow Sydney.”
The new permanent raised intersection at Bourke and Forbes streets in Darlinghurst leads people to Qtopia Sydney in the former Darlinghurst police station.
“We are so thrilled with this addition. It connects Qtopia Sydney with Oxford Street, it signifies a safe inclusive area, and adds to our activation of The Substation and Toilet Block on Taylor Square where over 15,000 people in 2024 enjoyed our exhibitions and performances,” said Qtopia Sydney CEO, Greg Fisher.
“There’s something magical about a splash of colour under your feet – especially when it’s the Progress Pride flag paving your way,” said Rainbow Precinct Chair, Shane Warren. “This new rainbow icon is more than eye candy for the Insta-crowd, but rather a powerful landmark of acceptance.”
“Each stripe declares, ‘Welcome! Be you, all of you’ as they tell the stories of history, resilience, and celebration. Come on down to take a happy snap and enjoy all that the Rainbow Precinct has to offer!”
The freshly painted roadway joins a Progress Pride crossing between Bourke and Campbell streets at Taylor Square and a 90m Progress Pride footpath in Prince Alfred Park in Surry Hills.
Image: Rainbow Intersection – courtesy of City of Sydney