Wladi Dirksen (L) with the creator of the DIY Rainbow Crossing Facebook page, James Brechney. Source: Facebook
The DIY rainbow crossing by Noel Posus was a colourful variation to the theme. Source: Twitter
The first sighting of a DIY Rainbow Crossing in Kenya, Africa. Source: Facebook
A DIY Rainbow Crossing in Paddington, NSW.
A colourful DIY rainbow crossing in Northmead, NSW. Source: Facebook
A DIY rainbow crossing overlooking Terrigal Beach, NSW. Source: Facebook
A DIY Rainbow Crossing in Andrew Boy Charlton Pool, Sydney. Source: Facebook
A DIY rainbow crossing in Kent Town, Adelaide. Source: Facebook
A DIY Rainbow Crossing in Brisbane. Source: Facebook
Australians hit the pavements in protest this weekend, but this time it was of the colourful kind.
In response to the removal of the rainbow crossing at Sydney’s Taylor Square, DIY rainbows are sprouting up everywhere; from sidewalks and streets in Canberra…to Kenya.
And by the sounds of it, chalk supplies are running low.
"People were reporting where to get chalk because of the volatility in supply over the weekend; the variety stores ran out of chalk and were quite perplexed as to why chalk was in such demand.
"But we do expect chalk supplies to replenish during the week.”
It all started last Thursday night after Brechney chalked his own DIY Rainbow in Commonwealth Street in Surry Hills, Sydney.
"I just thought it would be really funny to put on Facebook, I thought I’d get 50 Likes on my wall.”
Underestimating the power of social media, Brechney’s single post soon went viral and thousands of Likes and messages of support later, he admits he’s a little overwhelmed by the response.
"I can’t keep track of how many crossings there are, it’s phenomenal.
"I think it’s such a great way to celebrate the end of a short lived crossing. Now it’s about a whole bunch of stuff; celebrating diversity, celebrating fun.”
For Darlinghurst resident Noel Posus, chalking his own DIY rainbow crossing was about connecting people with the history of the neighbourhood.
"I was as disappointed as other people that the rainbow crossing was ripped up, but more importantly how it was ripped up; the political shenanigans just seemed ridiculous. It bothered me a lot,” he said.
"When I saw the social media campaign I thought ‘this is amazing, I want to be able to do this’.
"It’s something I can create with my neighbours and my friends, it’s not a t-shirt or a rally I need to go to, it’s something creative we can make together.”
Erected in February to mark 35 years of Sydney Mardi Gras, the rainbow crossing was met with much debate over its initial cost and value to the community and Australian tourism.
In the end, Roads Minister Duncan Gay approved its removal, believing it was a safety hazard because people spent more time on the road than crossing it.
But Australians seem to be listening to Mr Brechney’s advice to "don't get angry, get chalking”, with DIY rainbow crossings appearing in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
It is expected more are to come.
"The big things like landmarks and attractions are really important and trickle up to serious issues,” said Mr Brechney.
"I don’t expect the rainbow crossing to be reinstated but I think it’s a great way to get a message of love out to the society from the gay community.”
A DIY Rainbow Crossing in Marrickville, NSW. Source:
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