Phoenix will add rainbow crosswalks to celebrate LGBT community

Phoenix will join a nationwide trend of painting crosswalks with a rainbow design to celebrate the local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Three of the largest LGBT organizations asked the city to install two rainbow crosswalks in Phoenix to convey permanent support for the community.

The City Council voted unanimously (with council members Sal DiCiccio and Jim Waring absent) Tuesday to allow the crosswalks if the groups foot the bill for the installation and maintenance, which they've offered to do.

The new crosswalk designs will be displayed at Seventh and Glenrosa avenues and Central Avenue at Portland Street. That's near the Parsons Center for Health and Wellness, where several LGBT organizations are located.

"The time is right to move this proposal forward to bring rainbow crosswalks ... so that our city can continue to embrace and thrive in our diversity and our inclusion and in welcoming all people who wish to visit, live in, work in, build a business in or simply enjoy the city of Phoenix," said Michael Fornelli, Phoenix Pride executive director.

Cities across the nation have installed rainbow crosswalks, including Atlanta, Houston, San Antonio, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.

Tucson also unveiled four rainbow crosswalks in August.

READ MORE: