In recent weeks, cities across Florida have come under increasing pressure to erase rainbow crosswalks—symbols of LGBTQ+ pride and remembrance—from public spaces.
Beyond the paint itself, these crosswalks have become powerful community symbols—reminders of the lives lost at Pulse, celebrations of Pride, and signals to LGBTQ+ people that they belong. Their removal doesn’t just change the look of a street; it chips away at the visibility and dignity that so many have fought to secure.
Reported by NPR:
“Officials in Orlando are outraged that the state Transportation Department painted over a rainbow crosswalk outside the former Pulse Nightclub … about 200 people showed up to protest the day after the removal … State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith said, ‘We will not be erased.’” — NPR / NHPR
From the Associated Press:
“Multiple cities across Florida are being ordered by the state transportation department to remove rainbow-colored crosswalks—symbols of LGBTQ pride—by early September … Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and other local leaders condemned the measure, calling it an attack on LGBTQ expression.” — AP News
Why I Created This Design
These brightly painted crosswalks reflect more than traffic art—they’re statements of visibility, resilience, and love. When authorities erase them, it sends a message that who we are is unwelcome.
Featured product:
At Hunky Tops, that message is exactly what we push back against. From day one, my goal has been to create apparel that celebrates queer identity with strength, humor, and pride—gear that our community can wear loudly, every day, not just during Pride month. When visibility is under attack, the answer is more visibility, not less.
That’s why I created the Not Afraid of Rainbow Crosswalks T-Shirt:
A wearable statement of pride that says, we refuse to be erased.
- A protest you can wear.
- A reminder that visibility matters—even when street paint is scrubbed away.
See the Story in Action
I shared why this matters in a YouTube Short—check it out:
Watch the video
Join the Conversation
How do you feel when symbols of Pride get erased?
Do wearable statements like this T-shirt help keep visibility alive?
Let me know your thoughts—drop a comment below and let’s talk.
Stay proud, stay visible,
Christian
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