Rainbow crosswalks are all the rage this pride season, as more and more cities get ready to paint the roads in some familiar stripes.
Officials in Phoenix, Arizona, have voted unanimously to add the colorful crosswalks in two locations in Phoenix, thanks to efforts by the Phoenix Pride Community Foundation, Aunt Rita’s Foundation, and one-n-ten, who will be covering the costs associated with the crosswalks, including future maintenance.
“Phoenix is committed to ensuring equal treatment and rights for everyone and showing our support because we know diversity makes us stronger,” said Mayor Greg Stanton in the wake of the vote.
They have not yet finalized the design, nor does it have a timeline as of yet for the installation of their new rainbow crosswalks at the intersections of 7th Avenue & Glenrosa Avenue, and Central Avenue & Portland Street.
Never Miss a Beat
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights.
Meanwhile, Denver, Colorado is moving forward on their own crosswalks, with City Council members Jolon Clark and Robin Kneich, in conjunction with the Baker Broadway Merchant Association and Buffalo Exchange, raising most of the funds to paint the crosswalks at the intersection of Broadway and Irvington.
“This is… a way we as a city and community can wrap our arms around the LGBTQ community and tell them how much we value them, care about them and love them in a very tangible and visible way,” said Clark.
Related: You can walk with pride in these cities with permanent rainbow crosswalks
The intersection is home to a “crosswalk walk off” fashion event held during Denver Pride, and organizers hope to have the crosswalk done in time for the 15 June event.
Not to be outdone, San Antonio, Texas is also reaching its goal of getting a rainbow crosswalk at the intersection of Main Avenue and Evergreen Street. Organizers have been raising money selling “fiesta medals” that depict the crosswalk.
“We were trying to raise some money with Fiesta coming up,” said San Antonio Councilmember Roberto Treviño. “The tradition of doing Fiesta medals, we thought it would be a great way to raise money.”
Fiesta medals are a local tradition, going back to 1971, and are collected by many local enthusiasts at the city’s annual Fiesta. The $15 bauble has done well so far, raising over half of the anticipated $20,000 needed for the installation.
Rainbow crosswalks have grown in popularity around the country, with cities from Seattle to Key West sporting the colorful crosswalks.
