The rainbow crosswalk in West Hollywood | Photo: Flickr/WeHo City
Phoenix, Arizona is the latest city to adopt rainbow crosswalks for its LGBTQ residents. Mayor Greg Stanton and the City Council voted unanimously to install the crosswalks on Tuesday (24 April).
The decision came after various groups brought it to city leaders’ attention. They noted several other cities in the country already have rainbow crosswalks.
Most recently, Denver, Colorado approved permanently installed rainbow crosswalks.
Phoenix is installing their crosswalks at two intersections. One will be at Central Avenue and Portland Street. The other will be 7th and Glenrosa avenues.
Walking side-by-side together
Three local organizations are covering the cost of materials, installation, and maintenance. The groups are Phoenix Pride Community Foundation, one-n-ten, and Aunt Rita’s Foundation.
One-n-ten made headlines last year when a man set fire to the LGBTQ youth center.
Travis Shumake, who works with one-n-ten, praised the vote.
‘The City of Phoenix has always maxed out its score on the equality index. They’ve been longtime supporters of not only one n ten but all of our LGBTQ organizations,’ he said.
‘Several corporations have gotten behind us to say we’ll help you maintain that crosswalk. If you can make it happen we’ll figure out how to make sure its paid for so our youth feel welcome in this vibrant city.’
Mayor Stanton also made comments, saying that Phoenix is ‘committed to ensuring equal treatment and rights for everyone and showing our support because we know diversity makes us stronger’.
‘Phoenix values and embraces its LGBTQ brothers and sisters.’
H/t: ABC 15
