Cincinnati celebrates LGBT pride
ROYGBIV. The seven vibrant colors of a crosswalk stand out in cities all over the nation. The first one to appear came from West Hollywood, and the idea was pitched from LA artist Martin Duvander. Since then, nearly 100 cities have followed suit. “It’s wonderful that Cincinnati has joined the list,” said Adam Kossen, 12.
Rainbows are appearing across the nation, and not because of sunlight after a storm.
Atlanta, Georgia; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; San Francisco, California; and Maplewood, New Jersey are just a few of around 100 other cities that have painted a crosswalk rainbow to honor their LGBT communities.
And Over-the-Rhine just made the latest addition.
“It’s great how Cincinnati is giving back to the LGBTQ community,” said Madeline Shewbridge, 11.
Funded by an $8000 anonymous donation and designed by Cincinnati’s Department of Transportation, the rainbow crosswalk was unveiled to the public on Aug. 30.
The crosswalk is near Mercer Street, also known as John Arthur and Jim Obergefell Way. The honorary name is to commemorate John Arthur and Jim Obergefell’s contribution towards the legalization of same-sex marriage.
“People don’t think Ohio as being one of the more open-minded states. It’s really cool that we’re opening up and showing support for the community,” said Allison Landrum, 12, president of SHS’ GSTA club.
According to WLWT5, Councilman Chris Seelbach calls this event a milestone.
“It was just 14 years ago that many considered Cincinnati the most anti-gay city in the country,” Seelbach said in his speech, which was filmed by the local news station.
While Cincinnati weather has been full of rain, downtown has just gotten more colorful.
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