ePetition - St James Street Rainbows
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ePetition details
St James Street Rainbows
Brighton & Hove has long been recognised as the UK’s
LGBTQ+ capital – a city defined by its inclusivity,
diversity, and vibrant community. Yet, despite our reputation and
our proud history, we are one of the only major LGBTQ+ cities
without a permanent rainbow landmark in our public
streetscape.
Other UK cities, including Manchester and London, have created
visible, permanent tributes such as rainbow crossings and public
art. These installations are more than just colourful designs
– they are daily reminders of acceptance, equality, and
belonging. They serve as symbols of hope, especially for younger
generations, and as a declaration that LGBTQ+ people are
celebrated, not erased.
This is especially urgent now. Across the world, including in the
USA, there are deliberate movements to diminish the power and
visibility of the rainbow flag, most recently seen in the removal
of the Pulse Nightclub memorial crossing in Orlando – a
tragic erasure of a community’s memorial and a stark reminder
that progress is never guaranteed.
Brighton & Hove must stand firm in the face of this trend.
Installing a permanent rainbow feature – whether a rainbow
road crossing, painted street, rainbow lampposts, or coloured
lighting – would demonstrate our city’s leadership,
pride, and commitment to visibility. It would also provide a
lasting landmark for residents and visitors, cementing
Brighton’s place as a city that not only embraces but
celebrates its LGBTQ+ community.
We call on Brighton & Hove City Council to commit to creating a
permanent rainbow installation in our streets. This is not simply
about paint or lights – it is about heritage, visibility, and
the city’s duty to stand against the forces of erasure, and
to ensure that the rainbow continues to shine brightly in the city
most closely associated with LGBTQ+ life in the UK.
This ePetition ran from 23/08/2025 to 28/01/2026 and has now finished.
23 people signed this ePetition.
Council response
Submitted for presentation to Full Council on 29 January 2026.
The petitioner was invited to present the petition to the meeting but did not attend.
Response provided by the Cabinet Member for Customer Services & Public Realm:
Thank you for your petition and for highlighting the strength, history, and visibility of Brighton & Hove’s LGBTQ+ community – and how we can physically demonstrate that in Kemptown’s public realm.
The St James’ Street identity is deeply connected to inclusion and equality, and a permanent rainbow installation could hold for residents, visitors, and future generations.
We will review the request carefully, including the range of potential options for a permanent feature.
As with any proposal involving changes to the public highway or public realm, we must also consider various important factors such as road safety requirements, national legislation governing highway markings, and the technical standards that apply to crossings and street furniture alongside ongoing maintenance requirements. These considerations are essential to ensure that any installation is both safe for all users and compliant with statutory regulations.
We are committed to exploring what may be possible within these constraints, and we appreciate the passion and community support reflected in this petition.
Your views will form an important part of our assessment as we look at how best to celebrate and reflect the city’s LGBTQ+ heritage within the public space.