News & Opinion
Atlanta’s iconic rainbow crosswalk, a beloved symbol of pride and inclusivity since its original installation in 2015, has received a significant update. On Sunday, Mayor Andre Dickens unveiled a newly designed crosswalk that incorporates the colors of the Progressive Pride Flag, reflecting a broader commitment to the city’s LGBTQ+ communities.
The vibrant intersection at 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue now features black and brown stripes to honor LGBTQ+ communities of color, and white, pink, and light blue to represent the transgender community. This change marks a meaningful evolution in the symbol’s legacy.
The updated design was revealed during a ceremony attended by members of the community, local officials, and allies, all gathered to celebrate the continued journey toward equality and visibility.
“For the past seven-plus years, these crosswalks have been a powerful symbol of love, of unity, and of acceptance,” Mayor Dickens said during his speech. In a moment of reflection, Dickens also took time to honor the 49 lives lost in the 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, a tragedy that deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community nationwide.
The Atlanta Rainbow Crosswalks is the brainchild of Robert Sepulveda Jr., an entrepreneur/interior designer/community activist. Sepulveda funded a temporary crosswalk in 2015 with help from a community GoFundMe, which raised $44,000. At the time, city officials said safety concerns kept them from making the project permanent.
Mayor Kasim Reed announced the plan to install the crosswalks on June 12, 2017, the one-year anniversary of the Pulse shooting. On July 1st, 2017, a permanent version was installed by the city with a reported price tag of $196, 000. The crosswalk was met with backlash not only from those who opposed the advancement and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community but also from the transgender community for the omission of their pride colors.
According to The GAVoice, local transgender activist Monica Helms expressed her frustration that one of the crosswalks wasn’t done in the colors of the Transgender Pride flag, which she created in 1999.
“I don’t see anything saying that one of the crosswalks will be trans colors,” Helms wrote on Facebook on July 1. “I am angry, even though I contacted the City Council (Alex Wan) and the mayor’s office. Others, like Sarah Rose, have also contacted people involved with this. I think the trans community, whether you live here or not, express your outrage at our omission.
This new unveiling comes ahead of the 2024 Atlanta Pride Festival, with thousands expected to participate in the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ+ rights and history. The newly designed crosswalk will continue to bring the advancement of unity and awareness of human rights through public art, serving as an even stronger emblem of progress and testament to the city’s diverse and resilient LGBTQ+ community.
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