To the Newport City Council: We propose a rainbow crosswalk installation as an enhancement to select crosswalks in Newport and as a sign of welcome and inclusivity to all residents and visitors who may identify as part of or allies of the LGTBQ+ community. Street art of this type also adds to the overall cultural landscape of the city, with positive implications for economic growth by attracting tourism and improving quality of life for residents.

Why rainbow crosswalk installations?
The LGBTQ+ rainbow pride flag is a widely recognized symbol of support for this community of people who have sexual orientations, and gender expressions and identities that are different from the majority of folks. It is used in municipalities across the world during June (recognized globally as Pride Month) and is commonly used in artistic expressions to represent the LGBTQ+ community, and acceptance and inclusiveness of all people more broadly, and all year long.

Over the last few years, many cities and towns across the United States and Canada have opted to install rainbow crosswalks as a very visible symbol to the community of this acceptance and inclusivity. A list of over 20 municipalities is included in the Newport Out blog on this topic, and this list has grown significantly since this post was first published: https://www.newportout.com/post/rainbowcrosswalk

Although in Newport it is nice to think that members of the LGBTQ+ community have found societal acceptance and the ability to fully express themselves in public without fear or shame, that is far from the case. Many people still face stigmas and oppressive trauma causing difficulty in their lives. Youth are particularly vulnerable to this stigma and trauma. Suicide is already the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24. And LGB youth seriously contemplate suicide at almost three times the rate of heterosexual youth. (see the Trevor Project’s Suicide Prevention Page for these and more facts)

A rainbow crosswalk is a safety enhancement and we believe it will have a positive impact on tourism to Newport, as well. LGBTQ+ people, and all folks, naturally want to come where they feel welcome. And although the beauty of our town is hard to dissuade anyone from visiting, outward displays of inclusivity add significant clout to a town’s welcoming atmosphere.

We, the signatories on this letter, support a rainbow crosswalk enhancement and installation in Newport, Rhode Island.