Vienna has installed pedestrian crossing lights at 47 crossings depicting gay, lesbian and straight couples holding hands and with love hearts above them, instead of the traditional lone figure.
The move is aimed at “setting a signal for openness and tolerance”, Deputy Mayor and head of city traffic issues Maria Vassilakou explained in a statement, as well as focusing on raising awareness for traffic safety.
The campaign forms part of the preparations for a series of upcoming events that are linked to tolerance, including the AIDS charity Lifeball, Europe’s biggest charity event for AIDS and HIV research, and the Eurovision Song Contest, which cross-dressing Austrian singer Conchita Wurst won last year.
The lights will remain until the end of June, during which time research will be conducted whilst the project runs to see if traffic safety is improved.
Image caption: Vienna’s lesbian and gay scene in new lights
Image credit: Michael Pollack / Flickr
