Wellington's Rainbow Crossing is New Zealand's second rainbow pedestrian crossing. The launch date on 10 October 2019, was timed to coincide with the birthday of the late Carmen Rupe.
Summary
The recording titled "Launch of the Rainbow Crossing in Wellington," made at the corner of Dixon and Cuba Street on October 10, 2018, captures an event celebrating the diversity and inclusivity of Wellington's community. The voices in the event include Grant Robertson, Justin Lester, Tabby Besley, and Tony Nightingale. The event also commemorates the birthday of Carmen Rupe, a prominent figure who championed the rights of marginalized communities and enlivened Wellington's entertainment scene through venues like the International Coffee House.
Opening remarks at the event paid tribute to Carmen Rupe's pioneering efforts towards the decriminalization of prostitution, abortion, and homosexuality. The speaker acknowledged the progress represented by the Rainbow Crossing and Rupe's iconic legacy. Additionally, the narrative included gratitude towards Grant Robertson, who was credited with manifesting a financial surplus and bolstering business confidence, as well as the Urban Design Team and council staff for their work on the project.
A representative spoke on behalf of Wellington's rainbow community, expressing appreciation to the city council and all councillors in attendance for their steadfast support. It was highlighted that Cuba Street, known for its embracement of diversity, is a reflection of Wellington’s identity, a place that welcomes everyone without judgment. The Crossing is seen as a tangible representation of the city’s commitment to safe spaces and equality for all. Chrissy Witoko was mentioned as another embodiment of the spirit brought forward by Carmen Rupe, having carried on the legacy of fostering community and diversity.
The Wellington City Council's engagement with rainbow community groups during the project's planning was praised. The consultation process went beyond the crossing's creation, reaching towards longer-term goals such as establishing a community center and safe environments devoid of alcohol reliance. Acknowledgment was given to organizations tirelessly working to create safe services and spaces for the rainbow community in Wellington.
Furthermore, future initiatives were mentioned, with gender-neutral bathrooms pinpointed as the next objective on the agenda. The speaker also touched on the growing multi-generational rainbow identity within the city. The launch included the ceremonial ‘cutting of the ribbon’ at the new crossing to symbolize its official opening.
The event highlighted Wellington's progressive outlook and inclusive values, with the Rainbow Crossing serving as a beacon of support and recognition of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Asexual, Pansexual community. With notes of remembrance for those who struggled for today's freedoms, the crossing stands as a positive and vibrant reminder of the city's diversity.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
Tags
2010s, asexual, bisexual, brian dawson, carmen rupe, chris calvi-freeman, chrissy witoko, cuba street, diversity, evergreen coffee house, fleur fitzsimons, frank kitts, grant robertson, homosexual, insideout kōaro, jill day, justin lester, lesbian, malcolm kennedy-vaughan, michael fowler, rainbow crossing (wellington), safe space, safer communities, tabby besley, toasted sandwich, tony blunt, tony nightingale, transgender, wellington city council
Tags (computer generated)
abortion, acceptance, agenda, alcohol, celebration, chicago, chill, coffee, coming out, community, confidence, council, cuba, design, difference, gay, german, growing up, hawaii, hope, identity, job, older people, pansexual, peace, people, rainbow, rainbow wellington, recognition, smile, solidarity, space, spaces, straight, strength, support, tolerance, urban, values, wellington, work