Residents in Houston's Montrose neighborhood added chalk and paint to the streets after the city removed rainbow crosswalks at Westheimer and Taft. According to Click2Houston, the removal followed Governor Greg Abbott's order directing cities to remove "distracting road features." Surveillance captured the crosswalk's removal on Tuesday morning.
Houston city officials removed crosswalks, saying they conflict with federal roadway standards and could risk federal funding. Protesters opposed the removal, noting the crosswalks’ significance. Jai said, "Everyone's just really happy that someone's doing something and there's already chalk out here. I just wanted to do something to make it more permanent," and Ethan Hale added, "This is a memorial for someone who was killed in a hit-and-run," as reported by KHOU. The removal has led to discussion about the use of public space.
Harris County officials are taking a different approach from the state on LGBTQ visibility. Commissioner Lesley Briones said, "Local communities, not state or federal pressure, should decide how we honor our values." In Montrose, community leaders are planning alternative Pride art projects. Jack Valinski, president of the Neartown/Montrose Super Neighborhood, said, "We're going to try to coordinate with some of the businesses and residents to see if they're interested in painting their driveways or parking lots," as mentioned by KHOU. The discussion around Montrose's rainbow crosswalks is ongoing.
