Houston, TX -- A broad coalition of Houston LGBTQ+ community organizations expresses deep concern and sadness following the recent directive from Governor Greg Abbott ordering the removal of rainbow crosswalks across Texas. Houston Metro has announced that it will comply by removing the rainbow crosswalk at the intersection of Westheimer Road and Taft Street.

This crosswalk holds profound meaning for our community. Installed in 2017, it was Texas’ first Pride crosswalk and was created in memory of Alex Hill, a 21-year-old community member who tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run incident in 2016 near that intersection. The crosswalk was funded by the Montrose Center and Pride Houston 365, reflecting a united commitment to honor Alex’s life and to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s visibility and resilience. Over the years, it has become a beloved landmark and a symbol of safety, belonging, and Pride in the heart of Montrose — Houston’s historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood.

We are heartbroken by the decision to remove the crosswalk, and we know that Pride transcends any single symbol. Our strength as a community has always been rooted in unity, compassion, and resilience. We continue to stand together, proud of who we are and steadfast in our commitment to creating spaces where every LGBTQ+ person feels safe, seen, and celebrated.

Community leaders are in active dialogue with City Hall and other local partners to ensure that Houston’s LGBTQ+ community continues to be visually represented, respected, and supported in meaningful and lasting ways. We encourage everyone to stay tuned for updates as these conversations continue and as we work collectively toward thoughtful, inclusive resolutions that honor both our history and our future.

As we approach National Coming Out Day, we call on everyone across the region — individuals, families, community organizations, and businesses — to make your Pride visible. Raise your Pride flags high. Display them on your homes, in your windows, at your workplaces, and on your storefronts. Let every corner of this city and beyond reflect the love, diversity, and strength of Houston’s LGBTQ+ community. In this moment, our visibility is our unity — and our Pride is our power.

They may take away the paint, but they cannot take away our Pride!