Rochdale in Rainbows: same-sex and trans symbols replace green man at pedestrian crossings for borough’s first Pride

Same-sex and trans symbols in celebration of Rochdale in Rainbows present Pride fortnight have been installed at several sets of pedestrian crossings in the Rochdale borough.

In an alternative to the traditional green man, same-sex and transgender relationships have now been represented with special LGBT+ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, plus) filters displaying the widely-recognised gender symbols.

Different filters have been applied free of charge to two sets of lights in Middleton, one in Heywood and one in Rochdale town centre, following previous initiatives in London and Manchester.

In 2016, the green man was joined by a same-sex partner in Trafalgar Square, the couple holding hands to depict a heart between them, whereas a large number of crossings featured the special designs during Manchester Pride in 2018.

 

 

The signals being changed are at the junctions of Long Street and Durnford Street; the junction of  Rochdale Road and the Hopwood Hall College access road; the junction of  York Street, Market Place and Hind Hill Street; and the junction of St Mary’s Gate, Newgate and College Road.

Mark Widdup, director of neighbourhoods at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Siemens kindly offered to install the light filters at their own expensive in support of Rochdale in Rainbows presents Pride.

“There are four across the borough and we encourage people to visit our website to find out about the activities taking place during our borough’s first Pride.”

 

 

The borough’s first Pride event, Rochdale in Rainbows is taking place between Saturday 16 November and Saturday 30 November.

During the fortnight there's a number of events taking place across the borough including performances, social events and the borough's first LGBT+ conference for people working in health and social care.

A full list of events can be found at:

• www.rochdale.gov.uk/rainbows