Rainbow crossings have pride of place on campus

They took part in a Pride Walk, official opening and ceremony to commemorate the two rainbow crossings on campus.

Organised by Lincoln’s LGBTQIA+ student group, SPACE, the colourful event began with a walk from Calder Drive rainbow crossing that took in a variety of areas around campus to the sounds of classic tunes from the likes of ABBA and the Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack.

The walk concluded near Forbes Lawn at the first rainbow crossing to be installed at the university in 2021. This landmark was then officially blessed via a rousing rendition of the Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University waiata, led by members of Lincoln’s Māori Students’ Association, Te Awhioraki, and staff members from Te Manutaki.

The celebrations continued on Forbes Lawn, with food trucks, live music and activities to strengthen the community spirit.

SPACE Co-Presidents, Sophie Williams and Arabella Dudfield, were thrilled to see such a strong turnout to the ceremony, including representatives from the Christchurch Diversity Liaison Police. They said the event significantly supported their work to enhance the visibility of Lincoln’s LGBTQIA+ community. 

"We are incredibly proud to be a part of this community who look after and stand for each other,” they said. "We are a community of strong, vibrant people and the Pride Walk showed it. Thank you to everyone who came along to the walk and the celebration afterwards."

Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Edwards, who walked alongside students and staff, said he was delighted to see such a significant outpouring of support for the event.

"We are dedicated to providing an inclusive environment where students are empowered to thrive and grow, and where diversity is welcomed and celebrated. This event was a wonderful illustration of that."