Defend and Restore the Pride Crosswalk in Houston
Defend and Restore the Pride Crosswalk in Houston
The Issue
For years, the rainbow-striped crosswalks at Westheimer Road and Taft Street in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood have stood as a landmark of Pride and belonging. They were Texas’ first Pride crosswalks, created to honor the life of Alex Hill, a 21-year-old killed in a nearby hit-and-run. More than paint, these colors told LGBTQ+ Houstonians that their city saw them, valued them, and made space for them.
But this year, the crosswalks disappeared. During construction, the rainbow colors were stripped away, leaving the intersection blank. City officials say the removal was temporary, yet many residents were shocked and angry, fearing it signaled something more. And in fact, opponents of LGBTQ+ visibility are already using this moment to argue the crosswalks should never return. Their goal is simple: erase a visible symbol of Pride from one of Houston’s most historic neighborhoods.
We cannot let that happen. Pride Houston 365 has asked the city to not only restore the crosswalks but to update them with the newest inclusive Pride flag design. Council Member Abbie Kamin has pledged support, promising to ensure the colors return. But support alone is not enough when organized opposition is demanding otherwise.
The City of Houston must stand firm. Construction cannot be an excuse to quietly erase a community symbol. The crosswalks must be restored quickly, boldly, and with a design that represents the full diversity of Houston’s LGBTQ+ community. Anything less would reward those who want to roll back inclusion and silence Pride.
We call on Mayor John Whitmire, the Houston City Council, Council Member Abbie Kamin, and Houston Public Works to guarantee that the Pride crosswalks at Westheimer and Taft are restored as soon as construction ends. The city must not give in to voices demanding erasure.
The Pride crosswalks are not just decoration — they are a public promise that Houston is a city where everyone belongs.
Sign this petition to demand the full restoration of Houston’s Pride crosswalks and to show opponents that this community will not be erased.
313
The Issue
For years, the rainbow-striped crosswalks at Westheimer Road and Taft Street in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood have stood as a landmark of Pride and belonging. They were Texas’ first Pride crosswalks, created to honor the life of Alex Hill, a 21-year-old killed in a nearby hit-and-run. More than paint, these colors told LGBTQ+ Houstonians that their city saw them, valued them, and made space for them.
But this year, the crosswalks disappeared. During construction, the rainbow colors were stripped away, leaving the intersection blank. City officials say the removal was temporary, yet many residents were shocked and angry, fearing it signaled something more. And in fact, opponents of LGBTQ+ visibility are already using this moment to argue the crosswalks should never return. Their goal is simple: erase a visible symbol of Pride from one of Houston’s most historic neighborhoods.
We cannot let that happen. Pride Houston 365 has asked the city to not only restore the crosswalks but to update them with the newest inclusive Pride flag design. Council Member Abbie Kamin has pledged support, promising to ensure the colors return. But support alone is not enough when organized opposition is demanding otherwise.
The City of Houston must stand firm. Construction cannot be an excuse to quietly erase a community symbol. The crosswalks must be restored quickly, boldly, and with a design that represents the full diversity of Houston’s LGBTQ+ community. Anything less would reward those who want to roll back inclusion and silence Pride.
We call on Mayor John Whitmire, the Houston City Council, Council Member Abbie Kamin, and Houston Public Works to guarantee that the Pride crosswalks at Westheimer and Taft are restored as soon as construction ends. The city must not give in to voices demanding erasure.
The Pride crosswalks are not just decoration — they are a public promise that Houston is a city where everyone belongs.
Sign this petition to demand the full restoration of Houston’s Pride crosswalks and to show opponents that this community will not be erased.
313
Supporter Voices
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Petition created on September 16, 2025