Leeds Freedom Bridge: Difference between revisions
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The Leeds Freedom Bridge is a rail bridge (HUL4/53) that crosses over the area of Leeds, West Yorkshire that is commonly known as #gayleeds (Lower Briggate). The bridge which was previously in need of vital repairs by Network Rail was painted in rainbow colours in order to relate to the LGBT area of the city below. LGBT activist and Leeds Freedom Bridge campaigner, Thomas Wales, wanted to highlight the changing, progressive landscape of the city.
Wales told the LGBT newsgroup Gay Star News: ‘For me, it is a shining beacon that brightly highlights the fact that the LGBT community doesn't have to hide away. We’re part of the fabric of the city, I hope that anyone struggling to come to terms with their sexuality or gender identity will see the rainbow bridge and realise they’re not alone’.
The official painting of the bridge started in September 2016 and was completed just before Valentine’s Day 2017.
Neil Henry, area director for Network Rail, said: ‘We’re delighted that our stakeholders want the bridge to become an iconic one for the city and were more than happy to have worked with them on the new colour scheme’.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor said: ‘This bridge represents a tremendous show of support for the city’s LGBT community, not only will the Leeds Freedom Bridge be an eye-catching addition it will also make a huge statement to our many visitors. We embrace and celebrate diversity and the contribution it makes to ensuring Leeds is such a warm, welcoming and successful city'. Pryor said.
Wales wrote: ‘I cannot wait to look at this bridge when I’m 60 and think, I helped make this happen, I give massive thanks to Network Rail for their support over the years and for Leeds City Council for giving their permission'.
The Leeds Freedom Bridge is inspired by the rainbow flag, commonly known as the gay pride flag or LGBT pride flag, which is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride and LGBT social movements as originally designed by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker back in 1978.