San Antonio celebrated rainbow crosswalks in District 1 amid speeches decrying Governor Abbott’s recent actions.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio’s iconic rainbow crosswalks took center stage as Pride San Antonio hosted its “Unity in the Community, Save Our Crosswalks” celebration Thursday night.
Performances and speeches against the recent directive by Gov. Greg Abbott to remove political or ideological markings from Texas roads were held on Main Avenue and Evergreen Street.
The event honored the city’s first Pride Cultural Heritage District and the installation of a historic “history here” marker.
It’s also a night that serves as a reminder that the LGBTQ+ community is not going anywhere.
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones arrived to the event late after getting off a flight. She let her stance be known, emphasizing she’s with the people.
“We have to be smart, but y’all, my pride is not tied to this paint,” said Jones, the city’s first openly gay mayor. “It’s in my heart and head.”
She said no one will take away what their community represents.
But Ortiz said she is exploring other avenues to celebrate who they are. She just wants to make sure everyone is kept safe in the process.
“You know I am with you on this issue, because I am one of you.”
Her speech comes after the unveiling of a new historic marker for the LGBTQ+ community on the historic Gay Strip.
“This intersection has been home consistently for decades for LGBTQ bars and establishments,” said James Poindexter, with Pride SA.
Creating a safe haven for every generation, some decades in the making, people like Autumn Summers understand the need for visibility.
“We’ve been taking steps forward, and now he wants us to take a step back. It’s about our history, it’s about our heritage,” Summers said.
A resolution for “Unity in the Community” was drawn up for city leaders to sign Thursday. It’s a resolution that asks city leadership to protect the rainbow crosswalks.
Districts 6 and 7 signed the resolution. No other council members or the mayor signed the resolution.