Houston LGBTQ+ Community Responds to State Order to Remove Pride Crosswalks

Rainbow Crosswalks in Montrose

• 🌈 The rainbow Pride crosswalks in Houston's Montrose neighborhood, present since 2017, are facing removal following a directive from Governor Abbott.
• 💔 These crosswalks are described as more than just paint; they are a statement of pride and community, symbolizing love, pride, and unity.

Governor Abbott's Directive

• 🏛️ Governor Abbott's order calls for the removal of what he terms "political ideologies" from roadways.
• ⚠️ This directive mirrors a federal transportation letter from July, which gave governors 60 days to clear non-standard markings for safety reasons.
• 📍 Metro Houston has stated it will comply with the directive and is currently working on this specific intersection.

Community Reaction and Resistance

• ✊ Residents and advocates view the removal as an act of erasing the community, both physically and metaphorically.
• 🗣️ Community members express that while the removal will not silence them, it is a setback, preventing them from having even a simple sidewalk crossing.
• ❤️ The crosswalks are seen as a symbol of being seen and feeling safe, and their removal is heartbreaking for many.

Future Actions and Advocacy

• ✊ Pride Houston President Carrie Anne Morrison stated, "If they paint over it, we'll paint it back in our hearts, in our advocacy, in our fight again and again. We will not be erased."
• 📣 Community members are planning protests, hanging Pride flags, and painting rainbows on nearby buildings and parking lots to keep their message alive.
• 🗓️ Metro has 30 days to comply with the order, and an exact date for repainting has not been set, but the community is preparing to fight back.