The expensive rainbow crosswalks in Tucson faded almost as soon as the paint dried, but that didn’t stop the Phoenix City Council on Tuesday from voting to install rainbow-painted crosswalks at Central Avenue at Portland Street and 7th Avenue at Glenrosa Avenue “to show support for the LGBTQ community.”
According to the City’s press release, “The vote came in response to community groups expressing interest as several cities throughout the United States have installed rainbow crosswalks as a symbol of inclusivity with the LGBTQ community.”
The crosswalks in Tucson quickly became eyesores, but proved to be a source of humor. Tucson’s crosswalks, made with a recycled crushed glass material to add sparkle, cost more than $68,000.
The Phoenix Pride Community Foundation, one-n-ten, and Aunt Rita’s Foundation each contacted the Mayor’s Office to request the installation of rainbow crosswalks in Phoenix. These groups have offered to cover the costs of materials, installation and ongoing maintenance for the rainbow-painted portions of the crosswalks that are not already maintained by the City.
City of Phoenix staff will work with the organizations to provide assistance regarding specifications on design, materials, installation and maintenance.
For five years in a row, Phoenix has earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. In 2016, Phoenix became the first city in Arizona to offer transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits to city employees and their families. The City now provides coverage for employees and their dependents who are transgender and need access to a range of care including hormone therapy or surgical procedures.