When Texas Governor Greg Abbott banned rainbow crosswalks last October, the city of El Paso rose to the challenge with creativity and community spirit. Instead of painting streets, they wrapped downtown streetlights with vibrant Pride flags, sending a powerful message of inclusion and resilience.
- Texas banned rainbow crosswalks in 2025.
- El Paso wrapped streetlights with Pride flags instead.
- Community and city officials collaborated closely.
What happened
In October 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an order removing LGBTQ+ Pride-themed crosswalks and other street markings, citing concerns over political messaging and road safety. This followed a similar move by Florida’s governor months earlier. The bans targeted public displays of Pride colors on roads and sidewalks, leading to the removal of numerous rainbow installations.
In response, El Paso city officials teamed up with local LGBTQ+ groups to find a creative but lawful alternative. By June 2026, they unveiled colorful cylinders wrapped around streetlights in downtown El Paso’s Pride Square. These cylinders feature the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag, symbolizing a broad spectrum of identities within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Why it feels good
This inventive solution demonstrates how communities can stand strong in the face of restrictions, fostering visibility and support for LGBTQ+ people even when certain expressions are banned. The collaboration between city officials and grassroots organizations highlights the power of teamwork and resilience.
LGBTQ+ advocates like Amber Perez of the Borderland Rainbow Center see this as a hopeful sign after a difficult year when many felt uncertain about openly celebrating Pride. The installations serve as a reminder that the community endures openly and proudly, showing up with vibrant presence despite challenges.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors and locals can experience El Paso’s Pride decorations throughout the month of June along Stanton Street between Franklin and Missouri avenues. The bright streetlight cylinders create a festive atmosphere during many planned Pride events and celebrations, spreading joy and inclusion.
Around the country, other cities are also finding imaginative ways to uplift LGBTQ+ voices amid ongoing legislation affecting Pride displays. Watching how communities continue to innovate and support one another promises more stories of hope and creativity in the months and years ahead.