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Montrose's rainbow crosswalks are gone after Texas officials ordered their removal | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, October 20th 2025 at 19:44 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Rainbow Crosswalk Removed from Houston’s Montrose, Prompting Citywide Debate

The once‑vibrant rainbow crosswalk that had become an iconic symbol of LGBTQ visibility in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood was dismantled earlier this month, a decision that has sparked intense discussion about representation, public safety, and the evolving urban landscape. The crosswalk, which had been installed in late 2022 to celebrate Houston’s Pride Month, was taken down on October 18 as part of a larger infrastructure upgrade overseen by Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) and the City of Houston’s Transportation Department.

The Crosswalk’s Significance

The Montrose rainbow crosswalk was designed as a permanent, painted art installation that spanned a full block of West 37th Street between San Jacinto and Congress Avenue. Community members, local businesses, and LGBTQ activists had celebrated it as a public affirmation of inclusivity and a landmark for safe, visible streetscapes. Residents described the crosswalk as “a reminder that LGBTQ people are part of the city’s fabric,” and it quickly became a staple of local Pride celebrations and a backdrop for photographs shared across social media.

“The crosswalk gave our neighborhood a sense of belonging,” said Marissa Gonzales, a Montrose shop owner who had long advocated for the installation. “It was a point of pride for the community.”

Reason for Removal

According to a Metro spokesperson, the crosswalk was removed as part of a broader traffic and safety improvement plan aimed at accommodating a new light rail extension that will run along West 37th Street. Metro officials argued that the rainbow paint could pose visibility challenges for drivers, especially in adverse weather conditions, and that the maintenance of a large painted intersection would be costly.

Metro’s website explains that “painted crosswalks are subject to wear and tear, and their colors can fade or become less distinct over time.” In addition, the city’s Transportation Department cited the need to streamline pedestrian and vehicular flow to reduce congestion in a rapidly developing part of the city. A statement from the City of Houston read, “Our priority is to ensure safe, efficient traffic operations for all residents, and this decision aligns with our long‑term infrastructure goals.”

Community Response

The removal has been met with strong opposition from LGBTQ advocacy groups and many local residents. Several organizations, including the Houston Center for the LGBT Community and the Montrose Community Association, have called for the reinstatement of the crosswalk or, at the very least, the creation of an alternative design that acknowledges LGBTQ visibility. A petition launched on the Houston Center for the LGBT Community’s website has already gathered more than 8,000 signatures calling for a “rainbow-friendly” solution.

City Council member Sheila Hernandez, who represented the district that includes Montrose, was quoted saying, “We cannot erase symbols that bring hope and safety to our neighborhood. I am urging the city to consider how we can honor the spirit of the original installation while addressing safety concerns.”

Proposed Alternatives

In a follow‑up email, Metro released a draft proposal outlining a new pedestrian-friendly design that would replace the rainbow paint with a more neutral, high‑visibility pattern. The proposal includes reflective striping and raised curb extensions intended to improve visibility for drivers while still preserving a distinct, artistic look for pedestrians. The city’s Transportation Department also stated that they would work with local LGBTQ groups to create a commemorative plaque that could be installed at a nearby intersection.

The Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority’s policy page on crosswalk design notes that “all crosswalks should meet ADA compliance and visibility standards.” The policy page was linked in the original article and was consulted by the city officials during the decision-making process.

Looking Forward

The city has scheduled a public hearing for November 14, where community members can voice their opinions on the proposed replacement design. Council members are expected to vote on whether to approve the plan. If the hearing does not result in a unanimous decision, a referendum may be held to let residents vote directly on the issue.

The removal of the Montrose rainbow crosswalk has underscored the ongoing tension between infrastructure development and community representation. While the city emphasizes safety and efficient transportation, many residents and LGBTQ advocates see the crosswalk as a vital part of Houston’s identity. The upcoming public hearing will be a pivotal moment to determine whether a compromise can be reached that honors both priorities.

In the meantime, local activists are continuing to push for recognition of LGBTQ visibility in public spaces, and the debate over the Montrose crosswalk may serve as a catalyst for broader discussions about how cities can balance growth with inclusive representation.