From @PrideTrain
Pride Train is an art collective who have brought rainbow-striped ads to the NYC subway system for LGBTQ Pride Month.
Created by The School of Visual Arts faculty and alumni Thomas Shim, Ezequiel Consoli, Jack Welles and Kyle Harrison, the Pride Train project features unique signage in the manner of other Manhattan Transit Authority (MTA) service announcement signs. Instead of notifying commuters of delays and disruptions, the ads provide messages of love, reminding commuters that bigotry and hate are not allowed in subway stations.
According to Lolomove and Pride Train, the campaign came about when the current administration failed to acknowledge Pride Month starting on June 1st, as past administrations have done:
“We came up with this idea after noticing a growing number of hate crimes. We love this city and we all felt like we needed to do something to let everyone know that there are still good people in the world, with a good heart, that care about everything they do. To let them know that they are loved and that, no matter what our current government says, New York has been and will always be a safe space for our differences to be cherished and valued.”
In addition to the main message of no bigotry, the ads feature funny “travel alternatives” and reminders to “tip your drag queen”, that “it’s 2018”, and that “love is love is love is love…”
Pride Train:
“We did this project simply to make a difference and contribute in a small way to create a better place for everyone. And Pride Train is not only about the LGBTQ community. This is about everyone who has ever felt like they were not included or has experienced hate. We’re trying to scream louder than the hate in this country and to let you know that you’re loved, and are not alone, and that we’ll have your back whenever you may need it.”
