Rainbow steps are always a fantastic addition to any city. Not only do they look pretty but they also represent inclusion and diversity.
They send a message, and that message is not only tangible but permanent: this city supports LGBTQ+ communities. Sure, that message has to be backed by policy or it doesn’t mean too much, but it is great to see rainbows and signs of support pop up around the city, regardless.
Soon, rainbow steps will also appear across South Dublin, as last month Dublin City Council passed a motion supporting the action. It will take a few months until they’re all painted, but we should start to see some work on the mini-project soon.
Emma Murphy, Mayor of the Council, recognises the difference these steps will make:
“I think it’s important to actually say to people coming into our communities and living in our communities that we recognise the need for social inclusion, we recognise the need for diversity and inclusion.”
“It’s a county that’s thriving with a lot of different nationalities and migrations; people from different backgrounds living in south Dublin. […] I had seen rainbow steps initiatives in locations in Europe, there’s a beautiful one in Istanbul and I thought it would be very befitting for south Dublin.”
Adding: “It’s not just flying a flag once during the year, this is permanent and shows that south Dublin is very welcoming to anyone who would like to live here, from whatever background or minority group they come from.”
Cllr Murphy said: “It might be small in the grand scheme of all the work the county does, but to provide visibility for people is hugely important,”
“This is particularly so at a time when we’re seeing an increase in hate crimes, hate speech directed at people across all sectors, particularly in respect of our trans friends and family.”
The rainbow steps in Istanbul, Turkey, linking the Findikli and Cihangir districts are perhaps the most famous in Europe, but there are also rainbow steps in other cities – Amsterdam in the Netherlands, for example, and Estepona in Andalucia, Spain.