6 hours ago
Protestors, Including Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, Re-Color Pulse Nightclub Memorial Crosswalk: ‘We Will NOT Be Erased’
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
The rainbow crosswalk outside the former Pulse nightclub in Orlando was painted in 2017 as a tribute to the 49 victims of the 2016 mass shooting, serving as both a memorial and a powerful symbol of LGBTQ+ resilience and pride. Over the years, the crosswalk has become a place of reflection and activism for the local community, drawing visitors from across the country who seek to honor those lost and advocate for equality .
On Wednesday night, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) removed the Pulse memorial’s rainbow crosswalk, citing a newly implemented statewide ban on pavement art with “social, political or ideological messages.” The ban empowers the state to withhold funding from cities found in violation, and Orlando officials say they were not notified before the removal .
Governor Ron DeSantis has defended the crackdown, stating, “We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes,” in a post on X, formerly Twitter . The FDOT has also sent similar directives to other Florida cities, including Delray Beach and Key West, instructing them to remove their own rainbow crosswalks by September 3. While some cities have complied, others are pushing back, highlighting the statewide impact of the new policy .
In response to the removal, a crowd of protestors—including LGBTQ+ advocates, community members, and State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith—gathered outside Pulse. They brought signs, banners, and large Pride flags, while drivers passing by honked in solidarity .
Demonstrators used chalk to temporarily restore the rainbow colors to the crosswalk, sending a clear message of resilience. As Senator Smith addressed the crowd, a double rainbow appeared overhead—a moment he described as a sign that “the universe is with us” .
Despite a sudden downpour that washed away the chalk, protestors remained undeterred. Their actions reflect a broader movement across Florida, where advocates are working to safeguard other LGBTQ+ street artworks. In St. Petersburg, leaders have petitioned the FDOT for exemptions and launched campaigns like “Save Our Street Murals,” which has garnered thousands of signatures .
The removal of the Pulse crosswalk and similar installations has generated widespread concern and grief within the LGBTQ+ community. Dr. Byron Green-Calisch, President of St. Pete Pride, emphasized the importance of such art in fostering solidarity: “Art has been this powerful force to remind us that we are not alone. And if they were unaware how powerful art was, they would not be trying to cover it up.” .
Many see the state’s actions as an attempt to erase LGBTQ+ history and visibility. The protest at Pulse, and the restoration of the crosswalk’s colors, serve as acts of defiance and affirmation: “We will NOT be erased,” read signs held by participants .
Local organizers and allies are calling for continued advocacy, urging residents to petition lawmakers and support initiatives protecting LGBTQ+ public art. The events at Pulse have sparked a renewed sense of urgency and unity, underscoring the ongoing struggle for recognition and respect in public spaces .
As Florida’s cities and LGBTQ+ communities grapple with the consequences of the new law, the Pulse memorial protest stands as a pivotal moment in the fight for visibility and inclusion. Whether through chalk on pavement or signatures on petitions, advocates remain committed to ensuring that the legacy of Pulse and the broader movement for LGBTQ+ rights are never erased.
