County council shows its true colours with rainbow crossing
There’s a traffic-stopping display in Oxford to mark Oxford Pride festival.
The pedestrian crossing outside County Hall has had a multi-coloured makeover thanks to the highways team in keeping with the LGBTIQ+ flag to show the county council’s support for the annual event and to provide a fitting place for the parade to cross as it reaches its end at Oxford Castle.
Oxfordshire County Council has been flying the pride flag since 17 May to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia and to celebrate the start of the Oxford Pride festival fortnight.
County Councillor Mark Gray, Cabinet member for Local Communities, said: “What an imaginative way to show support for diversity during Pride fortnight.
“The county council is a Stonewall Diversity Champion and often flies the rainbow flag above County Hall. And while these small visual signs are a great way of showing people our values, it’s also what we do every day as an organisation that really counts.
“I am proud that the county council supports the LGBTIQ+ community all year round and this year will have a big presence at the Pride parade.”
Charlotte Stacey, a county council employee and LGBTIQ+ network member, said: “The crossing looks fantastic and is a clear sign to people that Oxford and Oxfordshire are inclusive places.
“Being an inclusive organisation helps us better reflect and listen to our communities. As an employee I know that Oxfordshire County Council strives to be an inclusive workplace, helping us all to bring our true selves to work with all our diverse knowledge, experience and energy.”
In the coming days people will notice more rainbow colours appear at the windows of the County Hall offices and anyone who attends Pride on Saturday may also see the council’s new Pride banner which will be carried from the Radcliffe Camera to the Oxford Castle as part of the parade.
Championing diversity and inclusion
Libraries and fire stations across the county are displaying posters alongside information from Thames Valley Police and Topaz – a social group for young people aged 13–25 who identify as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, trans or non-binary or who are questioning their sexuality or gender.
Firefighters and colleagues from Oxfordshire County Council will be part of the parade through Oxford city centre at Oxford Pride on 1 June, which sets off at 12noon from Radcliffe Square.
The festival will end at Castle Quarter with Oxfordshire’s firefighters at the rear of the parade with their fire appliance, plus plenty of visibility around County Hall.