Kitchener youth show their #LoveMyHood pride at Pride

On May 29, 2018, Kitchener’s LGBTQ2+ communities came together to celebrate the installation of the city’s first rainbow crosswalk at Joseph and Gaukel Streets. Residents gave speeches alongside the mayor, and teens chalked up the street with messages of love and support.

This resident-led project began with Placemaking Challenge applications submitted by the rainbow community space SPECTRUM and KW Counselling’s OK2BME youth group. Both proposed a rainbow crosswalk in the downtown core in support of the city’s LGBTQ2+ communities.

Over the course of several months, members of SPECTRUM and OK2BME worked together with city staff to choose a location and design.

The OK2BME youth leadership team helped to plan events for Tri-Pride and came out to participate in the ceremonial first crossing.

“I’m very excited and proud to have been part of this project,” says Scott Williams of KW Counselling. “It is wonderful to see the City of Kitchener supporting its LGBTQ2+ citizens and visitors with this public symbol of acceptance.”

The rainbow crosswalk stands as a colourful testament to Kitchener’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. It brings smiles to the faces of residents on their way to and from Victoria Park, and it helps to ensure that our LGBTQ2+ residents know they belong here.

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