The president of Saint John Pride says he’s excited there will be a rainbow crosswalk as part of this year’s events.
Council approved a motion by Mayor Don Darling this week to paint one of the colourful crosswalks in the uptown.
Michael Cummings tells us it shows Saint John is a place where diversity and inclusion are celebrated.
“A couple of years ago, Mayor Darling was recognized as our grand marshal for the parade,” says Cummings, “and we’re happy to see him continue to represent the LGBTQ+ community in Saint John.”
STORY: #SaintJohn will be getting its own rainbow crosswalk ahead of this summer’s Pride celebrations: https://t.co/rRVSjQkMjD #sjnews #sjcouncil https://t.co/OsUUfiKM4J
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) June 5, 2018
Cummings says they’ve been asked for input on possible locations and they have several ideas in mind, including the top or bottom of King Street.
Other communities have seen their rainbow crosswalks vandalized, but Cummings says he doesn’t think that’ll happen in Saint John.
“The city is very supportive and open to inclusion,” he says, “and we’re hoping that the crosswalk represents a sign that the city can come together where everyone is welcome and that the citizens can get behind the crosswalk.”
The crosswalk will be painted ahead of the Pride Week celebrations, which take place from Aug. 7 to 12.