Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is now home to a new and meaningful addition to its streets: a progress pride flag crosswalk. This 18 by 75-foot crosswalk was unveiled on February 9th, just in time for the city's Pride of the Americas Festival.
The newly colored crosswalk is a permanent reminder of the struggles and hard-fought battles of the LGBTQ+ movement. Fort Lauderdale Pride, now in its 46th year, is the longest-running LGBTQ+ celebration in the state of Florida. This new edition of the progress pride flag serves as a symbol of inclusivity and progress in the LGBTQ+ community.
The unveiling of the crosswalk was celebrated by Fort Lauderdale city leaders and residents, who believe that it is an opportunity to expel hate and create a welcoming environment for all. "This is our opportunity to expel the hate," said one resident. "It's a place for you to feel welcome. That's what pride is about."
The progress pride flag is a variation of the rainbow pride flag, with black and brown stripes added to represent people of color, and pink, blue, and white stripes added to represent transgender individuals. The flag was designed by Daniel Quasar in 2018 and has since become a symbol of progress and inclusivity in the LGBTQ+ community.
Fort Lauderdale's new crosswalk is not the first of its kind in the United States. Similar crosswalks have been installed in cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C. These crosswalks serve as a visual representation of the LGBTQ+ community's presence and progress, reminding both locals and visitors of the community's ongoing fight for equal rights and acceptance.
The unveiling of the progress pride flag crosswalk in Fort Lauderdale coincided with the city's Pride of the Americas Festival, which took place from February 9th to 11th. The festival, which features live music, drag shows, and other events, is an opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community to come together and celebrate their identity.
Overall, the new progress pride flag crosswalk in Fort Lauderdale is a powerful symbol of progress and inclusion in the LGBTQ+ community. It serves as a reminder of the community's ongoing fight for equal rights and acceptance and creates a welcoming environment for all.