Early Thursday morning, Florida officials were painted on an orlando rainbow crossing, serving as a visual homage to the 49 victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. The move sparked a pouring of frustration and sadness from local leaders, survivors and LGBTQ+ supporters.
The Rainbow Crosswalk on Orange Avenue was part of the Pulse Memorial and became a symbol of both safety and solidarity. It was set up in 2016 to commemorate the lives lost in the mass shootings at Pulse, the gay nightclub that became the site of the most deadly attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in US history.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer called the law a “cruel political statement.” He expressed his deep disappointment at the official message, saying that crosswalk is more than painting on asphalt. It was a general commitment to remembering the victims and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. According to Dyer, the crosswalk was originally set up by the state and adhered to all safety standards.
Survivors and activists Brandon Wolf Elimination was described as the offspring of the victim’s memory. In a message shared with his followers, he said the state not only tried to remove the paint, but also erase a strong declaration of resilience and memory. Wolf added that the person responsible for the act was fortunate and that they were lucky that they were unable to bury the person they loved.
State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, a longtime LGBTQ+ advocate in Florida, also denounced the removal. He criticized the state for acting secretly under the covers of the night and accused co-ill officials. Smith promised that the fight wasn’t over, and vowed to support a new mural near Pulseight, which would become even more colorful and visible than the original crosswalk.
Florida officials are defending the decision by citing new transportation guidelines that limit non-standard road markings. These guidelines argue that safety is prioritized by ensuring consistent traffic markings that avoid potential distractions. However, critics argue that the decision is more political than practical, especially given the context and symbolism of the Pulse Memorial Crossing.
The controversy follows a wider push from state and federal officials to remove rainbow crossings from public roads. Earlier this summer, a U.S. Department of Transport memo urged all 50 states to eliminate road art that could be considered political, including the rainbow crossings that are often used to demonstrate LGBTQ+ pride and inclusion.
All of Florida, other cities like Key West and Delray Beach are also under pressure to face the risk of removing similar crosswalks and losing funds for transportation. In some communities, local leaders are either exploring legal options or looking for alternative ways to maintain visible support for LGBTQ+ residents.
Many LGBTQ+ leaders see these moves as direct efforts to drive strange identities out of public views. For them, removal of rainbow crossings is not about safety, it is about elimination. The symbolism of these crosswalks is very meaningful, especially in places like Orlando where trauma and healing continues.
Despite the set-up, Orlando continues to pursue plans for the permanent Pulse Memorial. The city is working with community partners and designers to create a permanent space for reflection and tributes. Construction is expected to begin next year, and we hope that the final monument will open by the second half of 2027.
The removal of the Pulse Crosswalk rekindled strange vision, public memory, and broader conversations about who decide who is to be conveyed in the shared space. LGBTQ+ supporters are calling on their communities to remain vigilant and speak out, rebutting what many consider to be an attempt to erase the fierce battle symbol of pride and memory.
As the conversation continues, one thing becomes clear. The memories of the lives of the 49 people lost in the pulse are not so easily depicted.
Source: Gayety – gayety.com
