City of LA and Venice Pride install rainbow crosswalk on Abbot Kinney
By Amy Patton
Venice is now home to the first rainbow crosswalk in the City of Los Angeles after the City of LA and Venice Pride organization commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots with the city’s first rainbow crosswalk.
“On the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, let’s reflect on the bravery of all who fought to live & love freely. May we be inspired by their strength as we fight for a more inclusive CA,” said State Senator Ben Allen who’s office was at the unveiling.
The crosswalk was unveiled on Friday, June 28, in front of Roosterfish, a gay bar on Abbot Kinney Boulevard that was successfully reopened last year with the help of Venice Pride.
“This great project by Venice Pride is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood and Mike appreciates the work of Venice Pride and the neighbors who made this new celebration of pride possible,” said Councilmember Mike Bonin.
Taylor Bazley from Councilmember Mike Bonin’s office. Photo: Morgan Genser. 
Local lawmakers and community activists unveil the City of Los Angeles’ first rainbow crosswalk on June 28. Photo: Morgan Genser. 
10-month-old Journee Taylor with her father Eric Taylor crossing the rainbow crosswalk. Photo: Morgan Genser. 
The crosswalk is modeled after the iconic rainbow crosswalks in the Castro District of San Francisco. Photo: Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl.
The permanent crossing is modeled after the iconic rainbow crosswalks in the Castro District of San Francisco. There is a rainbow crosswalk already in the City of West Hollywood, at Robertson Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard. The City of Long Beach also has several rainbow crosswalks in the area affectionately referred to as the “gay ghetto” – the strip of gay bars along Broadway Ave. on the Eastside.
Venice Pride thanked Mike Bonin, Sheila Kuehl, Ben Allen and Autumn Burke for their commitment to LGBTQ+ equality.
“A rainbow crosswalk on @abbotkinneyblvd at the doorstep of storied gay bar – what a colorful way to end Pride Month in L.A! We look forward to dedicating the crosswalk with the City of L.A. in recognition of #Stonewall50 and celebrating all we have achieved since ‘69. You fill us with pride and joy,” the Facebook post continued.
