Key West Celebrates LGBTQ Community With Permanent Rainbow Crosswalks
Every June, colorful artwork and rainbow crosswalks have filled open spaces throughout Key West, FL. Due to ongoing construction, previous artwork has been a temporary feature, but this year Key West unveiled colorful crosswalks that will now have a permanent home.
New rainbow crosswalks made from preformed thermoplastic and enhanced with propane torches for durability are now gracing the intersection of Duval and Petronia, in the heart of the city’s entertainment district.
“The rainbow crosswalks mean that everybody is welcome, everybody is equal, everybody is recognized and that we do really abide by the ‘One Human Family’ spirit,” Mayor Teri Johnston told NBC.
Rainbow crosswalks first began appearing across the United States in support of Pride in 2012. The first one was painted in West Hollywood, CA, followed by similar art in Minneapolis, San Diego, St. Louis, and Atlanta.