The Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Lapu-Lapu in Agdao District started yesterday the painting of rainbow colors on its pedestrian lanes along R. Castillo Street to promote pride for the LGBT Community.
The Lapu-Lapu Barangay Council has passed a resolution establishing LGBT Pride Pedestrian Lane in some streets of the barangay. The SK Council of the said barangay also passed a resolution relative to the same project.
The rainbow pedestrian lane is dubbed as the “PRIDEstrian Lane,” the first in the city.
“Ever since, it has been a dream of the LGBT community in this barangay to have this project,” SK chair Paolo Rodriguez said.
“We want people to recognize that our brothers and sisters in the LGBT continue to lobby for equal rights for them, hence, this project,” he added.
In a Facebook post of Rodriguez, he said the implementation of the initiative is a team effort of the local barangay council and the SK Council.
The LGBT leaders in the city, especially the United Gays of Agdao (UGA), participated in the painting of the pedestrian lanes that commenced dawn of Sunday.
Two other PRIDEstrian Lanes will soon be established, Rodriguez said.
“My friends, this (PRIDEstrian Lane) will be a constant reminder that all of us are equal and deserves to be respected,” Rodriguez said in his Facebook post.
The Davies Company sponsored the paint for the rainbow-colored crosswalks.
Rodriguez thanked barangay chair Romeo Evangelista and the council for the support. He also cited Barangay Councilor Okong Libre for helping in managing traffic and Barangay Councilor Pax Diaz for ensuring the safety of those who participated in the event.
Rodriguez also thanked the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), City Mayor’s Office, and Commissioner Norman Brillantes Baloro of Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor for supporting the event.
According to Rodriguez, the LGBT organizations in their barangay, led by the UGA, have been continually active in promoting for the LGBT rights.
In last year’s Pride Month, the SK Council and the UGA conducted its barangay Pride March. They are also conducting seminars on gender sensitivity. LGBT members in the barangay also offer free hair, manicure and pedicure services.
