The City of Fort Collins is excited to announce the installation of its first rainbow crosswalk, a vibrant symbol of inclusion and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The crosswalk will be located on Howes Street (adjacent to 214 N. Howes St.) and will be unveiled in time to honor LGBTQ+ history month and celebrate National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11, 2024.
City Manager Kelly DiMartino emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “Coming out is a powerful act of authenticity and bravery that fosters understanding and connection. While we celebrate those who choose to live openly, we recognize that many still feel hesitant to come out at work. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels safe and supported, regardless of their coming-out journey.”
The rainbow flag, often associated with LGBTQ+ pride and social movements, has been a symbol of diversity and inclusion since its inception in the 1970s. The Progress Pride Flag common today includes the original palette, meant to reflect the wide spectrum of human sexuality and gender identity, along with additional colors added to elevate queer people of color as well as the trans/nonbinary community. By incorporating this iconic symbol into the crosswalk, the City of Fort Collins reaffirms its commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive work environment and community for all employees and residents. 
The crosswalk installation is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 10. Howes Street will be closed between Laporte Avenue and Maple Street during the installation process. The new design will incorporate the colors of the Progress Pride Flag around the traditional white stripes of the crosswalk, honoring the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community.
A ceremony to recognize National Coming Out Day and ribbon-cutting to celebrate the crosswalk installation will take place on Friday, Oct. 11, at 11 a.m. at the crosswalk location. City leaders will offer remarks, and the community is warmly invited to attend and show their support.
For more information about the city’s commitment to inclusivity, please contact the city’s Office of Equity and Inclusion at 970.416.8087. For information about the event, contact William Bevil at 970.416.2056 or wbevil@fcgov.com.