MELROSE — For the first time in Bronx history the borough will be getting rainbow “Pride” crosswalks and just in time for Bronx Pride and World Pride as the city celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
The pride crosswalks will be painted on 149th Street at two locations on the north side of the street at Third and Melrose Avenues.
We got the idea a few weeks ago and spoke with our local Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr, who represents the district, and he was immediately on board with the idea.
Shortly thereafter we spoke with Michael Brady, Executive Director of the Third Avenue Business Improvement District (the local BID that has been hosting the Bronx’s LGBTQ 1 Bronx Pride Festival for the past three years and who’s board we sit on) and he immediately got on it with the necessary city agencies to make this a reality.
At first, NYC Department of Transportation denied our request but after some pressure they eventually came back and said it’s a go.
“The Third Avenue BID is delighted to partner with NYC DOT, the Office of the Mayor, and SAPO to increase the visibility of the Bronx LGBTQ+ community in the borough.” noted Michael Brady.
He added, “The pride crosswalk at 149th Street and Third Avenue is a sign that Third Avenue is inclusive, diverse, and open to all members of our community.”
The location also couldn’t be better as it’s where this Sunday, June 23rd, The 1 Bronx World Pride Festival will be held and will be the end of the Bronx Pride March which will begin at Bronx Borough Hall at the Courthouse on 161st Street and Grand Concourse.
Just a block from the crosswalks is the Bronx’s official LGBTQ Center, Destination Tomorrow and the neighborhood itself, Melrose, is considered the most LGBTQ friendly in the borough according to a recent report by Localize.city.
We couldn’t be happier to have helped make this a reality for our borough’s LGBTQ community. Visibility is important, and we will not live in the shadows in our own home. Ever.
The installation is scheduled to take place this Friday.
