On Sept. 25, two jubilant workers drove down Westheimer Road in a truck with a crane attached. At light poles along the avenue, one of the workers would go up in the crane bucket, hang a rainbow Progress Pride flag, and move onto the next. It was a crisp, breezy morning as cars whizzed by on Westheimer, some honking in support and others just blaring their horns at the truck blocking traffic.
“We’re out here decorating the neighborhood for y’all,” the truck driver yelled at me after I told him I was a reporter. He flashed a peace sign.
The rainbow crosswalk was removed at the behest of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who demanded Texas cities remove rainbow pride artwork and other “political messages” from city streets. Besides Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and El Paso removed their rainbow crosswalks to preserve state transportation funding.
But Texas cities have found creative ways to continue to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride in their historically gay neighborhoods. In Austin, LGBTQ+ advocates installed a marker at the intersection of Fourth and Colorado streets to “honor the history, resilience and contributions of Austin’s LGBTQIA community.” In Dallas, the steps of a library in Oak Lawn, the city’s gayborhood, were painted the colors of the rainbow. San Antonio officials had sidewalks painted the colors of the rainbow near where that city’s rainbow crosswalk was removed. And as far west as El Paso, lamp posts were wrapped in the colors of the Pride flag.
Houston’s banners and their installation were paid for by Pride Houston 365, the non-profit that puts on Houston’s annual LGBTQ+ pride parade. Their installation was made possible after Houston leaders voted to reinstate the Lower Westheimer Banner District, a special designation from the City of Houston that allows banners to be flown from utility poles in various parts of the city. Joe Panzarella, who represents the Montrose area on Houston City Council, said in a statement that the banners were a fitting replacement for the crosswalk.
“The LGBTQIA+ community has played an invaluable role in Houston’s history, culture, and when the Pride crosswalks were removed, our community felt that loss. These banners are a chance to put that visibility back home in Montrose.” Panzarella said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Mayor Whitmire, Pride Houston 365, and County Attorney Kamin to ensure the LGBTQIA+ community is protected and that we honor that history, while affirming that every Houstonian belongs here today.”
Kerry-Ann Morrison, the president of Pride Houston 365, said she wants the new banners to be a reminder for LGBTQ+ Houstonians that they are welcome in the city.
“There are moments in leadership when you get to see the work become real. This is one of them. These banners represent a community that has built, contributed, and shaped Houston for generations,” Morrison said. “My hope is that someone sees these banners and feels what Houston gave me two years ago as a new resident: a sense that there is a place for you here.”
The new banners will span Westheimer between Taft St. and Montrose Blvd. City officials, including Mayor John Whitmire, will officially give remarks on their installation on Sept. 29.