The rainbow roads on Carlton Street and Broad Street in Hockley have recently undergone a transformation, thanks to It’s in Nottingham, the city’s business improvement district (BID).
The rainbows have always been a symbol of diversity and inclusion, and the recent repainting has added five new colours: black and brown to represent people of colour and light blue, light pink and white to represent the Trans community. This expansion of the rainbow aims to represent better the diverse community it celebrates.
The project, which celebrates Nottinghamshire Pride and aims to enhance the city’s inclusive spirit, was organised and partially funded by It’s in Nottingham after receiving £4,950 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It is supported by Nottingham City Council.
“We are thrilled to have supported the repainting of Hockley’s rainbow roads,” said Alex Flint, CEO at It’s in Nottingham. “It’s in Nottingham is dedicated to promoting the cultural and economic vibrancy of Nottingham, and this initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to foster an inclusive and vibrant community.”
Sam Harvey from Nottingham Pastel Project added: “’Broad Street represents the beating heart of the Nottingham queer community – from the life-saving work of the Nottingham Gender Clinic to the wild nights out at Gladrags,to the sense of community that safe venues like The Lord Roberts, The Goat and Broadway bring. Nothing helps to symbolise that sense of community more than our flags, and as the Nottingham Pastel Project works towards our goal of establishing a Trans Sanctuary City in Nottingham, we welcome seeing these iconic flags getting a glow up!’”
Local leaders have expressed their support for the initiative, Cllr Corall Jenkins, Executive Member for Communities, Waste and Equalities at Nottingham City Council, said: “I’m delighted that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Nottingham City Council have supported the transformation and expansion of Hockley’s rainbow roads. Ahead of Nottinghamshire Pride later this month, it’s important that these symbols represent the city and region’s diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ community.”
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