In the shadow of one of the worst tragedies in LGBTQ+ history, the state of Florida has chosen to criminalize grief, protest, and sidewalk chalk.

Four peaceful protesters—including Maryjane East, Donavon Short, Zane Aparicio, and Orestes Sebastian Suarez—were arrested outside the Pulse memorial for using washable chalk to recreate the rainbow crosswalk that once honored the 49 lives lost in the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre. Their "crime"? Defacing a “traffic device,” even though the chalk washes away with rain and causes no damage. The state claims it costs over $1,500 to clean up what any hose could wash off in seconds.

These arrests aren’t about safety—they’re about silencing. The state didn’t just erase a rainbow. It erased a symbol of hope, resilience, and LGBTQ+ visibility, then sent troopers to arrest anyone who dared to draw it back.

Chalk is not graffiti. It’s not vandalism. It’s a centuries-old form of peaceful protest. Prosecuting people for using chalk to speak out—especially at a memorial site—tramples on our First Amendment rights and insults the memory of the victims. If a rainbow in chalk is a threat, what does that say about what Florida really fears?

This is about more than a crosswalk. It’s about the freedom to mourn, to speak, and to be seen.

We are calling on Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell to drop all charges immediately against the Pulse chalk protesters. We also call on Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Orlando City Council to protect protesters' rights at the Pulse memorial and affirm that this city stands for free expression and LGBTQ+ dignity.

Silencing chalk won’t stop this movement. You can’t arrest away a rainbow.

Sign the petition and tell Florida: Drop the charges. Let the people speak.
 
 
 

Photo: Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel