Press
For press inquiries please contact:
Randy Downs at progressivewarrior@gmail.com & 636.358.2739
Troy Pentenbrink at troy@caduceusmktg.com
Nation’s Capital Premieres Rainbow Crosswalks to Honor and Support LGBTQ Community
Following President Trump’s failure to issue an LGBTQ Pride Month proclamation, seven temporary rainbow colored crosswalks and one representing the transgender flag will debut along 17th Street, NW, in the heart of the traditional LGBTQ neighborhood of the nation’s capitol, just blocks from the White House. A community-led initative, the crosswalks are designed to be a highly visible symbol of Washington, D.C.’s longstanding place as a welcoming city for LGBT residents and visitors.
June is LGBTQ Pride month and the crosswalks are premiering to coincide with the city’s annual Capital Pride Parade on Saturday, June 10 and the national Equality March for Unity and Pride on Sunday, June 11. The crosswalks will span along 17th Street, NW, from R Street to P Street, a section of 17th Street designated “Frank Kameny Way” in honor of the early LGBTQ-rights pioneer and D.C. resident who died in 2011.
In addition to the crosswalks, rainbow banner flags are being hung along the same section of 17th and a plan for more permanent art displays will be announced.
WHAT:
Rainbow crosswalk painting preview and press conference
WHEN:
Friday, June 9, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
~ Painting of the first crosswalk will begin at 10 a.m.
~ Press conference will begin at 11 a.m.
WHERE:
Intersection of 17th and Church Streets, NW (1519 17th St. N.W.)
WHO:
Muriel Bowser, DC Mayor
Randy Downs, Dupont Circle ANC 2B Commissioner & advisory committee member for Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Affairs
Additional city and community leaders
NOTE:
Only one crosswalk will be painted on Friday, June 9. The remaining crosswalks will be painting by more than 100 volunteers on Saturday, June 10, beginning at 12 noon with a ribbon cutting at 1:30 p.m. This event is also open to the media.
CONTACTS:
Troy Petenbrink, (202) 297-1703
Randy Downs, (636) 358-2739