Rainbow Crosswalk Dedication Ceremony

By Daniel, OLS Student

On May 17, some OLS Bellevue College students attended the BC LGBTQ+ crosswalk ceremony. May 17 is the international day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. This day is used to reaffirm the human rights and freedoms for LGBTQ people and is used to end hatred and violence against them. It states that everyone is entitled to human rights and freedoms, for those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex.

Four young college students outside with pride flag and pins

Observations from the ceremony: During the ceremony, it was said that May 17th is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, and they talked about how the rainbow crosswalk was a significant step in the right direction to protect LGBTQ rights. During the ceremony they passed out rainbow/progress flags as well as multiple different pins of LGBTQ flags, such as asexual, pansexual, transgender. There weren’t any nonbinary flag pins, which was a little disappointing as someone who is nonbinary, but the nonbinary community was acknowledged during the speeches.

Bellevue College Rainbow crosswalk

Student comments:

“As a gay man, I am both proud and excited about the representation the LGBTQ+ community is getting, and seemingly will continue to get, at Bellevue College.” -Jack

“The Rainbow crosswalk event was very inspirational, and it made me proud to be a college student at Bellevue College.” -Anna

“It was something important for me to see that was pretty cool.  There is going to be another rainbow crosswalk here on campus.” -Joseph


Occupational & Life Skills (OLS) Bellevue College is an associate degree program for adults with learning disabilities.

In our uniquely supportive skills-based program, students apply academic knowledge through community activities, service learning and social experiences. Students identify a career pathway, gain marketable, workplace-ready competencies, develop better interpersonal skills and complete an internship in alignment with their career goals.

Last Updated May 26, 2022