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Mayors of Tower Hamlets and Hackney unveil rainbow crossing

To help celebrate Pride month, rainbow crossings have been popping up across the capital as a symbol to celebrate LGBT+ people who live and work in London.

One of the crossings is uniquely located on the border between Tower Hamlets and Hackney on Hackney Road, an area with historical connections to East London’s diverse and vibrant LGBT+ communities.

The crossing was launched yesterday (24 June) by Mayor of Tower Hamlets John Biggs, Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville, as well as council staff, community members and councillors from both boroughs.
John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets said: “It was great to join Mayor Glanville, alongside members of staff, the community and councillors from both our great boroughs to celebrate the installation of the special Pride crossing.

“The crossing spans the borders of Tower Hamlets and Hackney and will provide a colourful and powerful reminder of the importance of Pride, and of demonstrating our ongoing friendship and solidarity with our LGBT+ friends and neighbours.”

Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney said: “These crossings provide a powerful visual reminder of our commitment to equality, with one linking two boroughs that clearly stand-up for diversity and tolerance. They are placed at the centre of the historically radical LGBTQI+ community of East London, which has contributed so much to the freedoms we have and enjoy today, but are also still here, taking part in the ongoing fight against prejudice that still exists. I’m proud to be unveiling these rainbow crossings, with colleagues, council staff and residents, joining others across the world this Pride month, standing with the LGBTQI+ community, not only in our borough, but around the world.”

The special Pride rainbow crossing is at the junction between Queensbridge Road and Hackney Road – just by the Co-op supermarket.

Tower Hamlets Council has teamed up with LGBT+ support organisation, East London Out Project (ELOP), and other local partners to provide an exciting programme of free events in the coming weeks:
Pride Picnic in the Park – Sunday 30 June from 2pm – 6pm at Victoria Park Bandstand, E9 7DD. Bring along a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of free music performances from Peter Scott Presland, WTW Big Band and The Bleeding Obvious. All acts are taking place at the historic bandstand in Victoria Park, winner of a Green Flag award in 2018.

Pride Comedy – Wednesday 3 July from 7pm at Poplar Union, E14 6TL. There will be plenty to laugh about at this night of comedy with performances from Charlie George, Krishna Istha, Elf Lyons, Dom Patmore, Annabel Pribelski and Amelia Stubberfield. This is free event suitable for adult audiences and will include a fundraising raffle.

Pride Film screening – Saturday 20 July at 8pm Poplar Union, E14 6TL. The final Tower Hamlets Pride event is a special showing of 2018 ‘Best Foreign Language’ Oscar winner ‘A Fantastic Woman’ (rated 15). Directed by Sebastian Lelio and starring Daniela Vega and Francisco Reyes, the film focuses on the struggles faced by a young transgender woman following the sudden death of her partner.