Five city crosswalks in Salem, Massachusetts got a rainbow makeover in recognition of Pride month and to support the LGBTQ community.
“Seeing something like this on your public streets in front of churches, across from courthouses is really important,” Katherine Decharme told WCVT-TV 5, which went on to report:
Volunteers met in front of City Hall on Tuesday and then set out, rollers in hand. The painted rainbow tradition started several years ago in Salem and continues to grow each year.
“When I came on City Council as the only out elected official it became important to me that we further engage and elevate the visibility and presence of LGBTQI community in the event itself,” City Councilor Caroline Watson-Felt who led the effort to have Salem show its stripes right on the street said.
Additionally, schools in the city have painted sidewalks nearby to highlight inclusivity.
“The Salem Public School had reached out and wanted a crosswalk to rep the inclusivity in their mission as well,” Watson-Felt said. “It’s really exciting.”
“This year we decided to add all the schools into it,” Salem Councilor at Large Ty Hapworth said. “Each Salem school, there are seven total, has a Pride crosswalk somewhere nearby it,”
Four more crosswalks in Salem will be painted Tuesday evening.
“I want people to cross and think to themselves: A) rainbows make me happy,” Watson-Felt said. “B) this is an inclusivity statement, and C) it’s nice to know I live in a community that is safe and welcoming to all kinds of families and neighbors.”
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