Pride President Explains Rainbow Pedestrian Lanes in Naga City
The rainbow pedestrian lanes in Naga City, created to mark Pride Month, garnered negative reactions from the online community.
President of Kabaro Naga City Hall Pride BJ De Asis expressed his confusion over the negative reactions to the rainbow pedestrian lanes, which have been painted in rainbow colors to mark Pride Month.
“Hindi ko alam kung ano ang pinanggagalingan ng mga negatibong komento, samantalang anim na taon na ring ginagawa sa Naga City ang paglalagay ng rainbow color sa pedestrian lane tuwing Pride Month,” De Asis said.
De Asis explained that before the pedestrian lanes were colored and awareness about the LGBTQAI+ Community was expanded, a resolution was passed, making it legal. He added that there is no law prohibiting this practice, or else it would have been stopped a long time ago.
He appealed for understanding, just as people have the right to comment, saying that the rainbow colors are merely symbolic celebrations for Pride Month.
Naga City Public Safety Office’s Traffic Management Division Head Arnulfo Fausto stated that while the standard color for pedestrian lanes is white, there is no issue with traffic laws by using rainbow colors out of recognition and respect for LGBTQIA+ members.
He also dismissed claims that the colored pedestrian lanes, particularly in areas like Kinastilyuhan, General Luna, Plaza, and Elias Angeles, have caused accidents.
The rainbow-colored pedestrian lanes were meant to raise awareness and show support for the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month. However, this has led to a debate, with some people criticizing the colorful lanes as not needed or not appropriate.
Those in favor say the rainbow colors represent inclusion and celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. But critics think it is an unnecessary change from the normal way things are done, and that the colors could distract pedestrians and drivers.
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The social media users expressed their reactions to the report:
