NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Music City officially has its very first Rainbow crosswalk in East Nashville. Hundreds of community members came out to 14th Street and Woodland to help paint Saturday morning. Organizers say it's been a long time in the making.
Want to see the crosswalk being painted? I was there! You can see it happen in the player above.
Emily Benedict, Council member for District 7 and LGBTQ Caucus Chair said, “We will have normal crosswalks here but rainbows that are vertical between each one of them.”
It's located on 14th Street and Woodland, a city-owned street, the crosswalk is in front of the lesbian-owned bar, the Lipstick Lounge. This project is also a part of NDOT's Tactical Urbanism Program.
“It’s important we show the world that we are an amazing community. We come out and support everyone in the community and outside our community," Lipstick Lounge Drag performer Kennedy Ann Scott said.
Volunteer John Hudson commented, “When people see this crosswalk, they know they can come to Nashville and it’s not going to be like the larger state.”
There were a few evangelists against it who showed up to protest, but their voices weren’t louder than the volunteers.
Happening Now: Community members have gathered in East Nashville to paint the city’s first ever Rainbow Crosswalk!
— Aaron Cantrell (@AaronTheNewsGuy) June 29, 2024
There are a few Evangelist here protesting against it… but they’re being drowned out by volunteers shouting , “Preach love, Not hate.” @NC5 pic.twitter.com/zsOW6wz6SI
Volunteers and organizers say the Rainbow crosswalk sends a clear message: love always wins.
Surveillance cameras surround the crosswalk to deter vandalism.
“We’re going to have a sky cop in the parking lot next door. We will see the license plate and capture any information. Like car, make, and model for anybody that decides to come out here and do something terrible unwelcoming and against what Nashville about," Benedict said.
It's truly the small things that add up to a great day - and Warrick in Lebanon is having a big impact. His familiar face is becoming a staple in one part of the community and inspiring closer connection in the simplest way. Enjoy his warm personality! You may even feel inclined to wave to a stranger today, too.
-Rebecca Schleicher
