In Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, the rainbow crosswalk that has long symbolized LGBTQ+ pride is set to be removed after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered cities to erase such markings. The Texas Department of Transportation backs the directive, citing federal rules requiring standardized traffic markings.
Protesters gathered on Sunday and on Monday at Westheimer and Taft to oppose what they consider an “attack on local communities,” with hundreds turning out in support, according to Click2Houston. Houston District C Council Member Abbie Kamin said she received numerous calls after construction equipment and police appeared near the crosswalk, and confirmed that Metro planned to strip the paint on Monday morning.
A rainbow crosswalk in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood was removed as protesters gathered nearby. Katherine Regis, a transgender resident, wrote chalk messages as the work proceeded, saying, “It really meant something to me, it acknowledged the Montrose neighborhood, and for them to erase it makes me so sad.” Kevin Strickland of Walk and Roll Houston said the removal went against community support. He estimated about 200 people joined the protest on Sunday and said organizers plan to continue efforts, stating, “Seeing the community turn out, it’s clear that this is important to them,” as reported by Houston Chronicle.
