In a bold act of community support, a group of four Wellingtonians took to the streets of Berhampore last Sunday night to paint the colours of the Transgender Pride flag onto a pedestrian crossing. This act of guerilla art was inspired by a recent High Court case challenging the legality of a rainbow crossing in the city centre, brought forward by a consortium with ties to the Christian fundamentalist political party Vision NZ. The group’s initiative, now known as ‘Berhampride’, has sparked both admiration and concern among locals and visitors alike.
Deb Potter, a long-time resident of Berhampore, was one of the individuals behind this creative protest. She explained that the group meticulously planned their action, setting up traffic cones and wearing high-visibility vests to ensure safety while they worked. “I just really thought ‘what, why?’. It seemed really horrible and so I was just looking at the crossing that was quite close to me and I thought ‘that would be a perfect place to put something’ and just show that we’re a supportive community of everyone in the community,” Potter shared, highlighting the group’s motivation to stand in solidarity with the transgender community amidst legal challenges to expressions of pride.
The response from the Berhampore community has been largely positive. Student Mitarina Tipene expressed her support, saying, “I have no problem with it I think it’s cool. It’s still a crosswalk, it still works the same and I also have no problem with what it represents.” Similarly, James Felker, another local, appreciated the presence of such art in the community, stating, “As long as it doesn’t interfere with the actual function of the crosswalk it certainly brings visibility to an important cause and isn’t an issue.”
However, not everyone is pleased with the unauthorised artwork. A Wellington woman, who preferred anonymity, voiced her concerns over the financial implications for ratepayers, “I’m a ratepayer. All of these silly things are costing us far too much and they are bleeding us dry. Trans people are people just like everybody else and they don’t need to be picked out as being more special or less special than anybody else.” Her perspective highlights a common tension between community expression and public expenditure.
The Wellington City Council has stated that the paint must be removed due to potential safety risks, particularly in wet conditions where the paint could become slippery. Yet, there’s a push from some quarters to keep the artwork in place, at least for the duration of Pride Month. TJ Tallie, a historian of gender and sexuality currently in Wellington, expressed his hope, “It would be an absolute shame if they removed it. I can understand why there are council rules about things being in place to prevent anybody from painting anything at all times. But at the same time, it would be a moment – especially during Pride month – and thinking about a global push back against both trans representation and existence that it might be worth thinking about ‘how do we let this moment stand’.”
Green MP for Rongotai, Julie Anne Genter, has taken an interest in the situation, advocating for the preservation of the crossing during Pride Month if it can be done safely and legally. “If there’s no code issues or safety issues it would be great to keep it for Pride month. If we can’t do that – safely and legally – then I will be advocating with the council to see if we can replace it or find another way to represent something similar that is in line with the code requirements,” Genter stated, showing political support for the community’s expression of inclusivity.
The council has not yet reported the incident to the police, indicating a possible leniency or at least a delay in formal action. Potter and her group ensured their artwork would not pose safety risks by studying the objections raised in the legal challenge against the central city’s rainbow crossing. They added pink and blue stripes to the white stripe in the centre of the crossing, effectively creating the transgender pride flag between two traffic islands.
This act of painting the crossing has brought to light several issues pertinent to Wellington’s community dynamics. According to a survey by the Human Rights Commission, 78% of New Zealanders support public displays of diversity, which can foster community cohesion and individual well-being. This statistic underscores the broader acceptance and desire for visible support for minority groups within public spaces. However, the financial aspect of maintaining or removing such artworks also reflects ongoing debates about public spending and community priorities.
The Berhampride crossing, while a small gesture, has become a symbol of resistance against the erasure of transgender visibility in public spaces. It reflects a global trend where cities like San Francisco and Sydney have embraced similar initiatives, turning them into landmarks during pride celebrations, which not only boost local tourism but also enhance community pride. In Wellington, this crossing could serve a similar purpose, drawing attention to the city’s inclusive ethos and potentially attracting visitors who value such environments.
The debate over the crossing also touches on the broader theme of public art and its role in society. Public art, especially when it arises from community action, can serve as a powerful tool for social commentary and change. Studies have shown that public art can increase community engagement, promote dialogue, and even influence local policy, as seen in various urban art movements around the world. In this case, the Berhampride crossing has sparked discussions on inclusivity, legal boundaries of public expression, and the balance between community initiatives and municipal regulations.
As Wellington approaches Pride Month, the fate of the Berhampride crossing remains uncertain. Yet, the action has already achieved one of its goals: it has brought people together in conversation, whether in support or critique, highlighting the vibrant, diverse, and sometimes contentious nature of community life in Wellington. The city, known for its progressive stance on social issues, now faces a test of how it balances these values with practical governance.
Note: This article was written on behalf of One Network Wellington Live to explore the community’s response to the transgender pride crossing in Berhampore, reflecting on the broader implications for inclusivity, public art, and local governance in Wellington. We encourage our readers to engage in this dialogue, respecting all viewpoints while celebrating the spirit of Pride Month.
