Pride banners can now be seen hanging on light poles along Lower Westheimer in Houston’s Montrose Cultural District. The installation comes after state officials required the neighborhood's unofficial landmark known as the rainbow crosswalk to be painted over in 2025.
What happened
Officials with the city of Houston, Harris County and the state of Texas celebrated Sept. 29 as Pride flag banners were hung on light poles in Montrose along Westheimer Road from Taft Street to Montrose Boulevard.
The banners, which cost roughly $10,000 to install, were paid for personally by Mayor John Whitmire, who said he has been a voice for the LGBTQ+ community since he was a state senator.
"There are many people who have come together for this day to be successful, but... until we have equality for everyone, none of us are equal," he said. "So let's celebrate today."
Some background
The original symbol of Montrose, the rainbow crosswalk, was installed in 2017 after a young man named Alex Hill was struck and killed by a car while crossing the street, according to the Montrose Center.
Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin said during the Sept. 29 celebration that the crosswalk was about safety, while the banners are about visibility.
"The symbolism is not lost on any of us," she said.
The event was also attended by U.S. House District 7 Representative Lizzie Fletcher and State House District 134 Representative Ann Johnson.
Remember this?
In October 2025, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the removal of all "political ideologies" from public streets.
"Texans expect their taxpayer dollars to be used wisely, not advance political agendas on Texas roadways," Abbott said in a news release about the order. "To keep Texans moving safely and free from distraction, we must maintain a safe and consistent transportation network across Texas."
Abbott also said in the statement that any cities that refused to comply would face consequences, including the withholding or denial of state and federal road funding and the suspension of agreements with the Texas Department of Transportation.
Because of the order, Montrose's well-known rainbow crosswalk was covered up last year, causing a controversial debate between city leaders and Montrose residents. However, District C council member Joe Panzarella pointed out that a small amount of it can still be seen.
"They are little bands of color that refuse to go away," he said. "I think there's something powerful in that; you cannot erase the people who made Montrose what it is."
