Mandaue City in the Philippines has paid tribute to its LGBTI residents with a rainbow crossing – the first of its kind in Asia.

Mayor Jonas Cortes led the painting of the pedestrian lane on the morning of 23 January in the city’s largest barangay, or ward.

‘This is a way of showing support for gender-sensitivity programs,’ he said.

Subangdaku barangay captain Ernie Manatad added that the road symbolized ‘gender-conscious’ governance.

The idea of a rainbow crossing in the barangay was proposed by mural artist AG Saño.

‘Total acceptance is what the rainbow pedestrian lane campaigns for,’ he said.

Transgender resident Ashlee Cortes welcomed the initiative.

‘It is one way of raising public awareness against gender discrimination. The rainbow pedestrian lane symbolizes the fight against discrimination,’ she said.