CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Fourteen rainbow and colored crosswalks will soon greet locals and visitors in the Boystown neighborhood.
"The rainbow crosswalk project signifies that the city remains steadfast in protecting who we are," said Ramesh Ariyanayakam, President, North Halsted Business Alliance.
"The crosswalks signify the impact that the geographic history held in our coming out process that shouldn't be forgotten."
"For those who is not familiar, I am the first openly gay, elected Latino alderman in the city of Chicago's South Side," Lopez said.
All the crosswalks will be finished in time for Pride Fest June 22 and 23 and the parade on June 30. Chicago's Pride Parade will celebrate its 50th year this summer.
The $60,000 cost is being funded entirely through the Alliance, through donations at neighborhood festivals.
Boystown already has 20 rainbow pylons along Halsted to celebrate the neighborhood’s history.