It May Have Been Already Removed at Oxford Street, But Australia’s Rainbow Crossing is Now Everywhere

The NSW government surely did not anticipate it that although it had its way it removing the iconic Rainbow Crossing on Oxford Street at Sydney, it however started a viral trend of rainbow crossings that have now emerged everywhere in Australia.

It was a protest alright by citizens aghast to the removal of the rainbow crossing. But it was a silent and yet colourful protest action.

Australians took to the streets, literally on the streets, to create their own DIY rainbows in just practically everywhere in Down Under. And now, Australians have ran out of chalks.

"There's been a lot of reports about chalk shortages," James Brechney, the creator of the DIY Rainbow Crossings, a page in Facebook that started the DIY rainbow revolution, told news.com.au.

Social activist Mr Brechney started the movement last Thursday, after Duncan Gay, NSW roads minister, had the iconic colourful artwork removed on claims it has become a road hazard.

"I just thought it would be really funny to put on Facebook, I thought I'd get 50 Likes on my wall," he said.

However, what started as only a single post went viral, with thousands liking what he did. Others sent messages of support. And before he knew it, people were already replicating what he did.

"I can't keep track of how many crossings there are, it's phenomenal," Mr Brechney said.

"I think it's such a great way to celebrate the end of a short lived crossing. Now it's about a whole bunch of stuff; celebrating diversity, celebrating fun."

The page now has more than 12,000 likes and still growing. It features not only Mr Brechney's photos but also those from other people who took to the pavements, armed with coloured chalk and then drew their own rainbow crossings over the weekend.

"I don't expect the rainbow crossing to be reinstated but I think it's a great way to get a message of love out to the society from the gay community."

"The big things like landmarks and attractions are really important and trickle up to serious issues," Mr Brechney said.

The chalk DIY rainbow crossings will definitely just be around, perking up roads but only for a quick time.

The Oxford Street crossing cost $75,000 to install and $30,000 to tear up.