Houstonians gathered Monday morning at the intersection of Westheimer and Taft streets in the Montrose neighborhood to protest the ordered removal of a rainbow crosswalk after Governor Greg Abbott directed cities in Texas to eliminate such markings, citing federal safety rules.
The rainbow crosswalk has served as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and inclusion in Montrose. The governor’s directive prompted strong reactions from residents and community leaders who argue the order erases progress on visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.
State officials said the Texas Department of Transportation supports the directive and pointed to federal guidelines that call for uniform traffic markings.
Local leaders countered that the rainbow design does not create a safety risk and carries cultural and historical weight for the neighborhood.