Oak Lawn's LGBTQ+ community reimagines pride after rainbow crosswalks vanish
Dallas’ Oak Lawn neighbourhood is exploring new ways to celebrate its LGBTQ+ community after the removal of its iconic rainbow crosswalks. The city took them down in March 2025 following pressure from state officials. Now, residents and local groups are pushing for fresh ideas to fill the gap. The crosswalks had been a symbol of pride since 2020, funded by the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. The group raised $128,250 for the original installation and another $45,000 in 2025 for repainting. But after Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatened to cut transportation funding for non-compliance, Dallas’ request for an exemption failed.
Residents quickly proposed alternatives. A city survey found 67% favoured murals as the best form of public art. Others suggested painting the steps of the Oak Lawn Branch Library in rainbow colours. Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison, senior pastor at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, noted that people still want visible signs of love and inclusion.
Meanwhile, San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ community responded to similar removals by painting nearby sidewalks instead. Tony Vedda, CEO of the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber, called the crosswalks a unique symbol for the community. The city has now promised to ‘activate concepts as resources allow’ to bring these ideas to life. The loss of the rainbow crosswalks has sparked creativity in Oak Lawn. With public support for murals and other installations, the neighbourhood aims to keep its LGBTQ+ identity visible. The city’s next steps will depend on funding and community input.
