The Manila city government on Wednesday inaugurated a rainbow-colored pedestrian lane along Roxas Boulevard in support of the LGBTQI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex) community.
This is the city's second rainbow pedestrian. The first one is near the Manila City Hall in Ermita.
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, who led the launch of the project, said he wanted to place more "symbols" of support for the LGBTQI+ community in the city to make them feel welcome.
He also said that this was done in recognition of the contributions made by the said community in the capital city.
"We wanted to recognize their actions, artistic minds, and talents," he told reporters. "'Yun ang uniqueness ng Maynila. Napaka-diverse ng Manila (That is what makes Manila unique. Manila is very diverse)."
Domagoso also said that he wanted to boost tourism in Manila with the new attraction.
The "instagrammable" pedestrian lane was launched weeks after the Manila city government passed City Ordinance No. 8695 or the Manila LGBTQI Protection Ordinance of 2020 and City Ordinance No. 8695 or the Gender and Development Code.
These two ordinances aim to promote gender equality and protect Manila city residents of all genders from discrimination.