City approves Atlanta Rainbow Crosswalks project

The city has officially approved rainbow crosswalks to be painted at the intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue, with the project scheduled to be completed just in time for the Atlanta Pride Festival in October.

The approval came at an Urban Design Commission hearing on Wednesday attended by Robert Sepulveda Jr., the founder or RSJdesign who is the mastermind behind bringing the public art project to Atlanta. 

"This is not only a win for the LGBT community, but a win for all citizens of Atlanta, these crosswalks symbolize the diversity of our community, while spreading a clear visual message of acceptance, unity and tolerance, no matter ones race, gender, creed or sexual orientation,” Sepulveda said in a press release following the hearing.

Sepulveda plans on forming a nonprofit organization around the project as well that would use public art and community outreach to advance diversity and equality.

As to what's next? Robin Shahar, Mayor Kasim Reed's LGBT advisor, is hammering out details of the installation and maintenance of the crosswalks which will then need to be agreed upon and approved by the Atlanta City Council. Sepulveda anticipates final passage at the council's September 8 meeting. 

Then it's time for installation and completion of the crosswalks, which is planned for the weekend before Atlanta Pride, which is taking place October 10 and 11. The two-night job will be followed by a formal ribbon cutting ceremony.

But money needs to be raised to make it happen, $20,000 to be exact. So while The Atlanta Rainbow Crosswalks works on getting 501(c)(3) status as a nonprofit, they'll be partnering with Georgia Equality to seek donations from the public, which will be tax deductible. The group has set up a GoFundMe page for those wanting to chip in.

Atlanta's rainbow crosswalks will follow similar projects done in Seattle, Key West, Philadelphia, and the Castro in San Francisco.