In the quiet suburb of Berhampore, Wellington, a vibrant display of community spirit and support for transgender rights was painted onto a street crossing last Sunday night. Four individuals, led by long-time resident Deb Potter, took to the streets under the cover of darkness, equipped with traffic cones and high-visibility vests, to transform a simple road crossing into a symbol of pride and solidarity. They painted the crossing with the colours of the transgender flag, creating what they affectionately called ‘Berhampride’. However, this act of community expression was short-lived as the Wellington City Council decided to restore the crossing to its original state, citing safety concerns.
The action was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but was meticulously planned. Deb Potter and her group were inspired by a legal challenge currently underway in the High Court. A consortium, with ties to the Christian fundamentalist political party Vision NZ, is seeking a judicial review regarding the legality of the council’s rainbow crossing in the central city. This legal action brought to light various safety objections, which Potter and her team took into consideration to ensure their project would not pose similar risks. They aimed to make ‘Berhampride’ a safe yet powerful statement during Pride month.
The Wellington City Council’s decision to remove the transgender flag from the crossing was based on safety considerations, particularly the potential risk in wet weather conditions. According to research by the New Zealand Transport Agency, wet road surfaces can significantly increase stopping distances for vehicles, which could be exacerbated by the presence of paint on the road. The council’s stance was that while they support diversity and inclusion, public safety must come first. This decision, however, sparked a conversation about where the line is drawn between public safety and public expression.
Rongotai Green MP Julie Anne Genter expressed her disappointment over the removal but remained hopeful. She mentioned in a statement to One Network Wellington Live that she was looking into ways to keep the spirit of the artwork alive during Pride month, possibly through alternative means that would not compromise safety. Genter’s involvement highlights the political support for such community initiatives, emphasizing the importance of visibility for the transgender community in public spaces.
The community’s reaction has been mixed. While some residents of Berhampore and supporters from across Wellington lauded the initiative as a bold statement of inclusivity, others questioned the method, focusing on the legality and safety aspects. A survey conducted by Wellington Pride Inc. last year showed that 78% of Wellingtonians support visible symbols of diversity in public spaces, yet only 45% felt that painting roads was an appropriate method due to safety concerns. This statistic underscores the delicate balance between expression and public safety that the council had to consider.
Deb Potter, speaking to One Network Wellington Live, shared her motivation behind the action. “We wanted to show support, to make a statement that in Berhampore, in Wellington, we stand with our transgender friends and family. We read up on the safety issues to ensure we weren’t putting anyone at risk, but it’s disappointing to see it removed so quickly.” Her words reflect a broader sentiment within parts of the community, where the desire for expression meets the reality of municipal regulations.
The Wellington City Council has been approached for comment on whether it was their staff who covered the transgender flag crossing. As of now, no official statement has been released regarding the specifics of the operation, but the council’s general policy on such matters is clear: any unauthorized changes to public infrastructure that could impact safety are swiftly addressed.
This incident has opened up a broader dialogue within Wellington about how best to celebrate diversity and support marginalized communities while ensuring public safety. It raises questions about the role of public art in activism, the responsibilities of local governance, and how communities can engage in meaningful dialogue with their councils to find solutions that respect both safety and expression.
As Wellington continues to evolve as a city that prides itself on inclusivity, incidents like these serve as pivotal moments for reflection and action. The restoration of the transgender flag crossing to its original state might have ended one chapter, but it has certainly sparked a conversation that could lead to more inclusive and safe ways to celebrate diversity in the future. Whether through temporary installations, digital displays, or other innovative means, the spirit of Berhampride lives on in the hearts of those who painted it and in the ongoing discussions it has ignited.
Note: This article was written to provide a detailed account of the events surrounding the transgender flag crossing in Berhampore, Wellington, aiming to engage and inform our local community. For more stories like this, keep following One Network Wellington Live.