Rainbow Crosswalks Approved in Midtown

This year’s iteration of the Atlanta Pride Parade will be a little more prideful for a number of reasons, not the least of which will be a unique feature of the intersection considered the heart of the city’s LGBTQ community.

On Wednesday, the Atlanta Urban Design Commission signed off on Robert Sepulveda, Jr.’s plan to paint the crosswalks at the intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue in the rainbow colors commonly accepted as the flag of the gay rights movement. The area around the intersection has long been the heartland of the city’s LGBTQ community.

“These are not just crosswalks, but a symbol of acceptance, unity and tolerance and reminds us all of how diverse our community is,” Sepulveda wrote on Facebook last month. “It’s a very small gesture with a very large effect and is a clear message that the LGBT community is welcome and safe in this city.”

11 Alive News reports that painting the crosswalks will only take two days and only cost $20,000. The crosswalks are expected to be ready in time for the Oct. 11 Pride Parade.