DIY rainbow crossings pop up across the world to protest removal of Sydney LGBT landmark

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a white background.

Since the removal of a rainbow road crossing in Sydney, which became an iconic symbol for the LGBT community, those protesting the decision have taken matters into their own hands, creating their own crossings across Australia, and around the world.

The rainbow road crossing in Sydney’s LGBT district, which was painted for the city’s 35th Mardi Gras celebrations, was dug up last week, officials noting a safety hazard, despite a 15,000 strong petition to save it.

The DIY rainbow crossings also went global, as hundreds of pictures of the home-made crossings appeared from around the world, including London, and New York.

James Brechey, who created the Facebook page, tweeted: “I’m told sourcing chalk in nairobi is hard but here it is – our first #DIYrainbow in Kenya, AFRICAAAA!”

The project’s Facebook group, which is liked by almost 17,000 people, encourages supporters: “Don’t get angry, get chalking! Please share your pictures here!

“In farewell of the premature removal of Sydney’s Rainbow Crossing we made our own DIY Rainbow Crossing from chalk! Love to see more DIY rainbow crossings popping up in Australia and beyond!”

Users have also taken to Twitter, using the hashtag #DIYrainbow in order to post pictures of their creations online.

New South Wales Road Minister Duncan Gay, made the decision to remove the crossing, citing “alarm bells” set off by “high risk of injuries and fatalities.”

Gay said he would support an “alternative permanent rainbow attraction” if the City of Sydney Council chose to create one off the roads.

Almost 16,000 signatures were on the petition to save the crossing as of Wednesday, when work to remove it started.

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