Barangay Mayamot unveiled the first Pride-inspired pedestrian lane in Antipolo City.
Located in front of Barangay Mayamot Hall, along Sumulong Highway, the rainbow-colored pedestrian lane will be a permanent fixture, according to trans kagawad Kristine T. Ibardolaza, thereby “highlighting this place as a safe environment.”
Speaking to Outrage Magazine, Ibardolaza stressed the relevance of visibility afforded by what others may see as a “small effort”.
“Harvey Milk, an LGBTQIA icon, once said that ‘Gay people will not win our rights by staying quietly in our closets’. At the heart of this statement is the importance of visibility, because visibility is one of the first steps to deal with the issues of homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and intersexism. After all, it is easier to discriminate against us if you don’t see us. This is what a rainbow pedestrian symbolizes; it helps highlight the creation of an environment where everyone feels safe to bring their real selves, regardless of color, race, sexual orientation and gender identity and expression,” said Ibardolaza.
Other such lanes have recently emerged in Baguio City, and in Ibaan, Batangas.
