Everything Lit Up in Rainbows
06/01/18
Not just people dress up for Pride...
Across the globe, some of the biggest and boldest landmarks light up in rainbow for Pride Month, celebrating LGBT people's right to live openly without shame. Here are some of the best displays of solidarity in North America.
1. Empire State Building, New York City
One of the Big Apple's most notable landmarks isn't afraid to show its colors. During Pride Month, visitors can look up to the lights or share a queer Sleepless in Seattle-style moment.
2. Niagara Falls, Ontario/New York
We're falling head over heels for the falls, whether you're on the American or Canadian side. Though this year would be very special to celebrate in Canada, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently apologized for years of abuses against LGBT Canadians.
3. Terminal Tower, Cleveland
The 52-story landmark skyscraper located on Public Square in downtown Cleveland even features a disco light show in celebration of Pride.
4. Cinderella's Castle, Disney World
Everyone deserves a Prince or Princess Charming, and Disney World is on the same page. The family-friendly spot is not afraid to empower LGBT families and children.
5. Penn Station, New York City
No matter what train you're catching, at Penn Station you can catch the spirit of Pride.
6. U.S. Embassy In India, New Delhi
Although India is yet to fully welcome its LGBT citizens, the U.S. Embassy has shown its solidarity for years by lighting up in rainbows during Pride.
7. Beverly Center, Los Angeles
The famous shopping spot is set to light up in rainbow colors this year. "Beverly Center has welcomed and supported the LGBTQ community since it opened its doors in 1982. This year, we will show our continued support by lighting the shopping center in Pride's signature rainbow for the month of June," explained William S. Taubman, chief operating officer of Taubman Centers, which runs the center. "We are also proud to partner with The Advocate to commemorate this year's Champions of Pride with a kickoff celebration at our new Farmhouse restaurant."
8. The Alamo, San Antonio
Even in the heart of Texas, Pride shines brightly. This small, shrinelike fortress and monument to Texas history includes a museum, artifacts, gardens, and a yearly rainbow display.
9. Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
Religious queer folk are celebrated at the cathedral church of the Episcopal Diocese of California, which boasts a rich history of supporting LGBT people. "We opened our doors during the AIDS crisis and ministered to victims and families. Today we are proud to have a panel of the NAMES Project AIDS Quilt in our AIDS Memorial Chapel," the Grace Cathedral website reads, "We have celebrated same-sex marriages for more than 10 years and stood with the LGBT community to call for marriage equality in recent years. Join in celebrating the LGBT community and the values of diversity and inclusiveness."
10. City Hall, San Francisco
It's no surprise that one of the most LGBT-accepting cities is happy to light its government buildings up for Pride. Not only does the space light up in rainbows, it spends a day lighting up in blue, pink, and white to reach out to the transgender community.
11. The Great Wheel, Seattle
The giant Ferris wheel at Pier 57 on Elliott Bay in Seattle is 175 feet of rainbows in June. It reflects colorful rays into the water beneath it, creating a mesmerizing sight.
12. U.S. Grant Hotel, San Diego
This upscale hotel dating from 1910 is a beacon of Pride in San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter.
13. San Francisco International Airport
If you're flying in for San Francisco Pride, you'll get a warm gay welcome.
14. Playhouse Square, Cleveland
The theater district in downtown Cleveland definitely has its gay culture and is not afraid to show it off. The biggest performing arts center in the United States outside of New York has its iconic billboard go rainbow for Pride.
15. The Davis Building, Dallas
This 20-story building is extremely festive when it comes to LGBT rights.
16. Madison Square Garden, New York City
The home of some the most iconic shows and sports events in New York puts out a show with its Pride lights, free of charge. Whether you're passing by or attending an event, the rainbows will make you feel at home.
17. CN Tower, Toronto
The 1,815-foot-high concrete communications and observation tower in downtown Toronto has an energy similar to the Empire State Building's and a similar way to celebrate Pride each year.
18. Town Hall, Tel Aviv
Israel is known for being one of the most pro-LGBT countries in a world, so it's no surprise that the Jewish state's secong-largest city lights up its Town Hall in celebration of queer people. Tel Aviv also has a mesmerizing Pride parade.
19 Lowry Avenue Bridge, Minneapolis
These steel tied arches shine brightly over the Mississippi River each year. It's stunning, to say the least.
20. The Kosciuszko Bridge, New York City
Although not the most famous of New York's bridges, it certainly has the most Pride. Just over Newtown Creek, connecting Brooklyn to Queens, it pulsates in the colors of the rainbow, certainly making the commute more meaningful.
21. Portland City Hall Building
Hipsters aren't the only ones welcomed in Portland, Ore. City Hall lights up in rainbow for Pride, proving Portland is just as friendly to LGBT people as it is to vegans.
22. Bank Of America Building, Charlotte
At 60 stories, the Bank of America Corporate Center is the tallest building in Charlotte and in North Carolina, and it's also the most LGBT-supportive. Despite North Carolina's lack of legal protections for LGBT people, Bank of America shows its support for the community in Charlotte.
23. Civil Courts Building, St. Louis
LGBT activism is about not only living freely on America's streets but having laws that reinforce queer rights. A true testament to how Pride is intertwined with legal change is the St. Louis Civil Courts Building, which lights up in rainbow colors each year.
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