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Paint as protest: Artists push back against Montrose's rainbow crosswalk removal | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 15:23 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Rainbow Crosswalk in Houston’s Montrose Sparks Protest and Community Dialogue

On October 28, 2025, the intersection of 16th Street and Montrose Boulevard in Houston’s iconic LGBTQ neighborhood became the center of a spirited debate when city officials approved a rainbow-colored pedestrian crosswalk in front of a newly commissioned mural. The project, part of Houston’s broader “Pride in the Streets” initiative, was celebrated by many residents but prompted a protest from a faction of local LGBTQ advocates who argue the design and placement of the mural did not adequately reflect the community’s diverse voices.

The crosswalk itself is a bright, four‑color graphic that follows the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s guidelines for visibility while featuring the iconic rainbow flag. It was installed as part of a $200,000 grant awarded by the City of Houston to enhance walkability in neighborhoods with high foot traffic. City Planning Director Maria Ortega said the decision was “informed by data that shows rainbow signs increase safety awareness and provide a visual cue for pedestrians during evening hours.”

The mural, located on the side of the Montrose Café, was designed by local artist Maya Rojas. Rojas, whose work has appeared on the walls of Houston’s historic neighborhoods, stated that the mural was intended “to celebrate the resilience of LGBTQ residents while honoring the neighborhood’s storied past.” She cited a community forum that took place in September where residents proposed themes such as “Trans History” and “LGBTQ+ Voices.” According to Rojas, the final design was a collaborative effort that incorporated input from a steering committee comprising café owners, neighborhood association members, and local activists.

However, the protest was organized by the Montrose Pride Coalition (MPC), a grassroots group that has been active in the area since 2013. The MPC’s statement, posted on its Facebook page and later shared in the city council meeting, criticized the mural’s aesthetic and the process used to select its sponsor. “We felt the mural was commissioned without a truly inclusive outreach,” said MPC co‑founder Alex Rivera. “While the crosswalk is a welcome addition, we wanted a space that reflects the full spectrum of identities—trans, queer, people of color—within Montrose.” Rivera and his colleagues called for a “Community Review Board” that would provide oversight on all future public art projects in the neighborhood.

City Councilwoman Carla Jimenez, who chairs the Committee on Transportation and Public Safety, attended the protest and emphasized the council’s commitment to transparency. “We hear all sides of the conversation,” she said. “The city’s goal is to create a safe, inclusive public space. That means listening to the community and making adjustments where needed.” Jimenez announced that a city‑wide survey would be launched to gather broader input on the crosswalk and mural before any future modifications are approved.

The crosswalk’s unveiling was covered by local media, including a video segment by Houston Public Media that interviewed both proponents and critics. In the segment, LGBTQ activist and longtime Montrose resident Jada Ortiz reflected on the historical significance of Montrose as a haven for marginalized communities. “Montrose has always been a place where people could show up as themselves,” Ortiz said. “This crosswalk and mural should be a living tribute, not just a decorative addition.”

The incident has also drawn attention to the city’s “Pride in the Streets” policy, which was originally passed in 2020. The policy provides guidelines for incorporating LGBTQ symbols in public infrastructure, but critics argue it lacks a clear mechanism for community participation. A recent city ordinance, cited in the article, allows for public comment on any project that involves LGBTQ symbolism in a public space. The ordinance, which was published in the Houston Municipal Code (Title 14, Chapter 5), stipulates that community boards must hold at least two public hearings before approval.

In the weeks following the protest, the city’s Office of Public Works and the Montrose Neighborhood Association met to negotiate a compromise. The agreement, announced on November 2, will see the crosswalk’s color palette adjusted to include “soft pastel hues” that are intended to be less visually dominant. Additionally, a new mural will be commissioned, this time with a focus on queer history and led by an artist collective chosen through an open call that will include at least one trans artist and one artist of color.

The events surrounding the rainbow crosswalk illustrate the evolving dialogue within Houston’s LGBTQ community. While the city’s intention to enhance safety and visibility remains clear, the protest underscores the importance of inclusive decision‑making processes that recognize the multiplicity of experiences within the community. As Montrose continues to adapt, the conversation about who gets to shape public spaces and how those spaces reflect the people they serve will likely remain a focal point of local advocacy and civic engagement.