ePetition - 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 runs from 23/08/2025 to 17/12/2025.

22 people have signed this ePetition.