Rainbow road painted outside The Raptor Room to honour queer patrons

The Raptor Room is bringing much-needed colour to the Cape Town CBD. The popular restaurant recently invited the public to join them in painting the pavement outside their eatery in the pride flag colours to honour their LGBTQI+ patrons.

On Saturday [October 24] about 75 patrons took to the streets to join in the painting process. They were required to reserve tables via email beforehand to take part, and all COVID-19 protocols were followed on the day. This included taking temperatures, wearing masks and social distancing.

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Speaking to Cape Argus, Raptor Room owner Amy Lilley explained that the painting party was to create a special and safe place for members of the LGBTQI+ community.

“Cape Town has such a big queer community and we want to give them the space to feel welcomed,” she said. “I hope the message it would send to people is that they have a safe space where they can be seen and visible and it should be a shame. It should be celebrated.”

The rainbow road has been approved by the City of Cape Town, and conforms with the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual.

Picture: Instagram / The Raptor Room