A Dutch town has become the first in Europe to set up a multicoloured zebra crossing dedicated to transgenders.
The pink, blue and white coloured zebra crossing is located in the town of Almere, located in the province of Flevoland in the Netherlands.
The pink stands for girls, blue for boys and white for people, who do not align themselves to either sex. Next to it there is also a rainbow zebra crossing dedicated to the homosexual community.
Social Democrat politician Jerzy Soetekouw said: “In Almere, everyone is free to be who they want to be. This is reinforced by the zebra crossings.”
The local council in Almere posted pictures on social media of the crossings with the caption: “On Saturday 2nd November, during the winter pride walk in Almere, the first transgender crosswalk in the world will be opened. Together with the rainbow parade, we want to underline once more that the members of the rainbow community in our city should be able to be themselves in all aspects of life.”
The new crossing has attracted much praise but also criticism on social media.
One user posted: “It is a joke, I thought they wanted to be treated like everyone else.”
Another said: “In this case, I want a new zebra crossing for heterosexuals.”
But others saw the crossing as more positive one posted: “If you look at some of the comments posted, this confirms why we need such a zebra crossing in Almere.”
Another said: “I think it is a really cool idea.”
Paul Andriessen, spokesperson for the municipality of Almere said: “We wanted to paint both of the flags to make a statement.”
Ge added: “In our city, everyone can be themselves and can fall in love with whoever they fall in love with.
“With a crossing like this in front of a hospital, you give out an important signal as a municipality: everyone can be themselves.”
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Story By: Kathryn Quinn, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
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