Newport Pride Proposes Rainbow Crosswalks
Newport Pride is hoping to bring its festivities to the streets – literally.
The organization has proposed the installation of three rainbow crosswalks at the corners of Equality Park as a sign of welcoming and inclusivity to all residents and visitors who may identify as part of or as allies of the LGBTQ+ community.
The city’s Pride celebration takes place every year in June to coincide with National Pride Month. The local event has been hosted in Equality Park since 2018. This year’s Newport Pride weekend takes place June 24-26.
The rainbow crosswalks would be permanent and maintained by Newport Pride. There will be no cost to the city for the conversion of the crosswalks.
“In my opinion, the colorful sidewalks would be an attractive entrance for those coming into Newport,” said Councilor Charlie Holder, whose ward encompasses Equality Park “It would also signify that the city is an all-inclusive community. It’s something that’s going to show that Newport, as a city, is thinking about everybody in our community, and not just a particular sector.”
The three areas proposed for the installation are the Gould Street-Broadway intersection, the Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard Equality Park Place intersection and the Equality Park Place-Broadway intersection. All three locations currently feature standard white markings for pedestrian crossings.
Newport Pride is now seeking support from local businesses and residents. The proposal has garnered the initial approval of the city’s public works department, along with city manager Joseph Nicholson Jr. Local artist Chris Wyllie, Parlor Bar Restaurant and the Remax Fitzpatrick team have agreed to sponsor the proposal, with Wyllie creating the design.
Newport would join cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, Key West, Memphis, Portland, Oregon, and Seattle in converting crosswalks to rainbow colors. The intent is to combine artistry and visibility to enhance the city’s inclusivity.
“Although in Newport it is nice to think that members of the LGBTQ+ community have found societal acceptance and the ability to fully express themselves in public without fear or shame, that is far from the case,” wrote Newport Out in the petition seeking support for the initiative. “Many people still face stigmas and oppressive trauma, causing difficulty in their lives. Youth are particularly vulnerable to this stigma and trauma.”
The conversion would also increase safety and tourism, the group wrote. “LGBTQ+ people, and all folks naturally want to come where they feel welcome,” the petition reads. “And although the beauty of our town is hard to dissuade anyone from visiting, outward displays of inclusivity add significant clout to a town’s welcoming atmosphere.”
Holder seconded the notion. “The more people that you can bring into the city and have them feel comfortable, and know that this a place for them, is just going to attract a more diverse type of visitor,” he said. “As opposed to having people come in and not feel welcome.”
Holder added that the area in which the crosswalks are proposed serves as an entrance into Newport. “Arts and culture thrive in that area as well,” he said.
Wyllie will collaborate with Newport Public Art to create the design. One source of inspiration being eyed for Newport includes the Philadelphia Pride flag, which features black-and-brown stripes representing people of color, along with elements that mate transgender pride.
“It feels beautifully inclusive, and so we will be advocating for using these colors in our design,” Newport Out said in his petition.
Holder and Councilor Angela McCalla are expected to introduce a resolution to convert the crosswalks at a City Council meeting on May 25.
“We’re seeing lots of communities throughout the United States using this important symbolization specifically for the LGBTQ+ community,” McCalla said. “When you see a Pride flag in Newport, it can make many members of our community feel safe. It holds a lot of significance that is very meaningful to many people.”
McCalla also believes the painting of the crosswalks would bring additional attention to local businesses, calling the move a good economic driver.