Niagara Region has unveiled a new Pride crosswalk adjacent to Brock University.

The painted crossing, at the intersection of Schmon Parkway and Sir Isaac Brock Way, features the all-inclusive Pride flag developed by Brock in collaboration with local 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities.

“This is a wonderful initiative and we’re very glad to see the crosswalk painted so close to campus,” says Brock’s Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lynn Wells. “Brock is strongly committed to building a more equitable and inclusive community, and the painting of this nearby crosswalk will serve as a constant and visible reminder that all are welcome in Niagara.”

The all-inclusive flag design consists of the familiar rainbow flag with the addition of black, brown, light blue, pink and white stripes.

The black and brown represent 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members who are racialized and have historically and continue to experience marginalization within our communities; the light blue, pink and white represent transgender community members; the last purple chevron intersects with the white to remind the community of the Two Row Wampum agreement. These colours represent the Indigenous land we walk on and our responsibility to the land and to each other.

Beyond Pride Month, Niagara Region will continue to promote, educate and drive awareness to benefit the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community within Niagara through the creation and implementation of the 2023-27 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan, scheduled to be presented at Regional Council next month.