The city of Manhattan Beach formally unveiled its rainbow crosswalk at the Manhattan Beach Pier on Tuesday, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by more than 100 city representatives and community members.

The event drew Manhattan Beach city councilmembers, city staff, Manhattan Beach Unified School District school board members and administrators, PFLAG Manhattan Beach/South Bay, the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce, local merchants, and more.

"I was told to talk about what this rainbow crosswalk means to Manhattan Beach. But really that's not for me to say," said Manhattan Beach Mayor Steve Napolitano. "For those who think this rainbow crosswalk is a symbol of pride for the LGBTQ community, you're right. For those who think this rainbow crosswalk is a symbol of inclusivity that says Manhattan Beach is a welcoming and loving community no matter what your gender or color or creed, you're right. For those who think rainbows are a promise from God, you're right. For those who think rainbows are neat and it's pretty cool to see a crosswalk in pretty colors, you're right too."

Napolitano continued: "It means Manhattan Beach is a welcoming, loving community and everybody here has their place, and everybody here is going to be respected and recognized and acknowledged for who they are, not for whatever they are, but who they are, the people. That's what Manhattan Beach is about."

A second rainbow crosswalk has also been approved to be installed around one of the gazebos in Polliwog Park.

MBUSD Board President Sally Peel spoke at the event, describing how when she was growing up in a small town, no one talked about LGBTQ issues.

Adding that a childhood friend who was gay had died by suicide in high school, she said, "We were in the dark. We were ignorant. I didn't help him because I didn't know...Ignorance is darkness, and it holds us back."

Peel noted that LGBTQ youth are more than 4 times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. "Does this crosswalk have the power to change that? No." And then, as crowd members shouted back, "Yes!" she added, "Well, but we do. You do - all of you who came here today, the people who care what LGBTQ youth are experiencing."

"Look at the crosswalk - there's no darkness there," she continued. "A rainbow is a direct result of light. This is a message that we are an accepting community. It is possible that a child will see it and feel good about the place where they live and know that their community welcomes them. This crosswalk is also a reminder to us that we need to know, we need to understand. If you don't know much about LGBTQ issues, it is your responsibility to learn more about it. It is all of our responsibility to be the changemakers and this rainbow crosswalk is here to remind us of that."

Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commissioner Joe Marcy talked about growing up as "a gay Filipino Italian kid" in Manhattan Beach: "It was the happiest and hardest time of my life. But with loving parents, family and friends, I grew up believing anything is possible."

He thanked the city, PFLAG, and community supporters for making the project possible.

"Navigating life is hard no matter who you are," Marcy said. "That's why what we've done here is so important. This is more than a crosswalk. it's a path of hope and inspiration. it's a reminder that anything is possible. Maybe someone walking across this path will feel a little less alone."

Marcy added, "It's not enough to just invite someone to the table; it's about making sure they know that they belong there...If this project can impact one life then it's worth it. No matter who you are, whether you're gay or straight, walk this path feeling welcomed and empowered."