Elmira, it's time to take action and create more symbols of diversity, equity, and love in our communities. A Progress Rainbow Crosswalk has been proposed for the town of Elmira and support will be helpful in making this a reality.

As a community, we need to stand up as a whole to show that EVERYONE is welcomed, loved, accepted, and needed here. A Progress Crosswalk will serve as a permanent reminder that Elmira is a safe space for all people, that we will stand up to hate and intolerance, that we are committed to building social equity, and that we will continuously strive to learn and grow.

"Crosswalks are intersections between drivers and pedestrians. If you've ever stood on the side of the road and felt the wind whip past you when a truck raced by, you know the difference between power and vulnerability.

It's easy for drivers, insulated in their vehicles, to breeze past pedestrians — but there are people to watch out for. Similarly, it's easy for people who don't struggle with discrimination due to sexuality, gender, or race to ignore the reality of people who do.

A crosswalk is a reminder to those of us with power to look out for the vulnerable people, to respect their right of way, and to let them pass unharmed.

And rainbow crosswalks do all that, while also letting members of a particularly vulnerable population know that their greater community supports them as they move forward on their paths. I'd say that's a good value for your dollar."

>Rainbow crosswalks are more than symbols; they remind us to look in all directions | CBC News