Madison Exploring Possibility of Pride Crosswalk
The Madison Diversity & Inclusion Committee is seeking to create a rainbow-colored “Pride Crosswalk” somewhere in Madison, with the colorful and permanent symbol meant to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
Cindy Breckheimer, a member of the committee, first brought the initiative to the police commission, which referred it to the Board of Selectmen (BOS) this week. Breckheimer also said that the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee was “very excited” to work with the committee on one of the already-approved new sidewalk crossings.
First Selectman Peggy Lyons suggested that maybe one crosswalk could serve as a sort of designated spot that could be redecorated for various causes or communities on a semi-regular basis, even if the project started as a rainbow.
Madison hosted its first ever pride event this past October, also organized by members of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, which brought together a wide swath of LGBTQ+ folks and allies for educational speakers and resources on the green. The Madison Diversity & Inclusion Committee is a private group not affiliated with the town.
Breckheimer said that funding was already lined up for the sidewalk, which would likely cost a couple thousand dollars according to Lyons.
“Whatever it costs, we will get the money,” Breckheimer said.
Other towns around the state have followed some of the country’s larger cities in adding colorful LGBTQ+ themed crosswalks, including Middletown, Norwalk, and Simsbury.