Atlanta installing permanent rainbow crosswalks in Midtown
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed chose the first anniversary of the Pulse shooting to announce some significant news — the city is installing permanent rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue.
“For the past year, Atlanta has grieved alongside Orlando. Our city has rallied around our LGBT community, and we have not shied from demonstrating our unity and solidarity. And with this spirit, I cannot think of a more important time to reaffirm our unwavering and unqualified support for our LGBTQ residents,” Reed said in a news release. “I am pleased to announce today that the City will install the rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and 10th Street year-round.”
The intersection is a historical hub for the city’s LGBT community, and “it is fitting that such an important and recognizable place should feature the rainbow flag,” Reed said.
The mayor’s office did not make clear when the installation would take place.
The push for the crosswalks began back in 2015, when temporary fixtures were painted for Pride. Local LGBT musician Sarah Rose, lead singer of Sarah and the Safe Word, started a petition for permanent crosswalks back in April. More than 22,000 had signed the petition prior to Reed’s announcement.
“No words. Thank you all. We did it,” Rose said in a Facebook post after hearing the news.
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