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London is getting new LGBT traffic lights to celebrate Pride

sadiq khan
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan joins people gathered on Old Compton Street, London, during a vigil for the victims of the Orlando Shootings at a Gay nightclub in Florida. PA Images/Yui Mok

Traditional "green man" signals on pedestrian crossings around Trafalgar Square are being replaced with new LGBT symbols as part of London’s Pride festival.

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Around 50 traffic lights will feature the new designs, which include men and women holding hands to create a heart shape.

The temporary lights, which also include the widely-recognised transgender symbol, were inspired by a similar project in Vienna last year.

They will be installed overnight this evening, Transport for London announced today.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, explained: “One of the greatest things about this city is our differences and every Londoner should be proud of who they are. 

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“I am very proud of our LGBT+ community here and I am looking forward to working closely with them as their mayor. 

lgbt pride traffic lights
Transport for London

“Our thoughts and prayers are of course still with the families and friends of the victims of the hideous recent attack in Orlando.

“These new signals show that we stand shoulder to shoulder with them and display the tolerance and celebration of difference in our city.”

Alongside the new lights, busking slots at several central London stations will include festival performers including drag acts and Pride’s Got Talent winner Jack Feureisen.

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Alison Camps, Director at Pride in London, said: "It's fantastic that London is a city so keen to celebrate Pride that even traffic lights can be used. 

lgbt pride traffic lights
Transport for London

“This small symbol is a big gesture from the Mayor of London and TFL, and we're delighted to have their support. 

“For many people acceptance and tolerance is a luxury they don't have, and these lights are another display of how welcoming and accepting London is.”

Organisers of this year’s Pride are expecting a massive turnout, with many people attending to show solidarity with the victims of the Orlando massacre.

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The Met Police have also announced they will increase the number of officers at this year’s event to provide reassurance.

Read the original article on Evening Standard. Copyright 2016. Follow Evening Standard on Twitter.
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