Seattle Mayor Unveils Rainbow Crosswalks in Capitol Hill

Photography by Nate Gowdy

Ed Murray, Seattle's first openly gay mayor and a Capitol Hill resident, unveiled the neighborhood's new rainbow crosswalks as a bold symbol of the city's LGBT community.

The crosswalks, which were introduced early Tuesday morning, span six different intersections of Pike and Pine Streets, between 11th Avenue and Broadway.

Murray praised the decision to introduce the crosswalks at a media event in Capitol Hill saying, "It says something about this neighborhood and it also says something about Seattle. This is a city of very diverse neighborhoods throughout with a different character."

Recent reports of increased hate crimes in the neighborhood have been blamed on gentrification by non-gay tech employees. The project — which local resident Shaun Knittel has been pushing for the better part of three years on behalf of his advocacy group Social Outreach Seattle — is estimated to have cost $72,600 project, nearly $56,000 more to create than the standard white line crosswalk. While more costly, the rainbow crosswalks were unveiled just in time for residents to celebrate the city's popular Pride events. As Pride festivities continue to take their course, the crosswalks will act as a reminder of the city's ongoing commitment to LGBT awareness and acceptance.

Watch a short video from the crosswalks' unveiling below: