Massachusetts town under fire for removing its LGBTQ crosswalk

Massachusetts town under fire for removing its LGBTQ crosswalk The town had repainted nine of its 10 pride crosswalks last year using donated funds, which cost nearly $8,000 through private contributions - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Officials in Swampscott, a coastal town located northeast of Boston, are reevaluating their roadway marking policies following local debate on the repainting of two rainbow-themed pride crosswalks. Municipal authorities stated Friday that the crosswalks were restriped as part of the town’s “regularly scheduled maintenance of select roadway markings.” However, local leaders said in a Monday update that they acknowledged residents’ concerns about the restriping and “understand the importance these markings hold for members of our community.” “The Town is also reviewing the policies and procedures surrounding roadway markings, including those supported through private donations, to ensure there is a clear and consistent process moving forward,” Swampscott officials said, adding that they encouraged residents to share their perspectives and “participate in a dialogue” at the Select Board’s October 21 meeting. “We appreciate the community’s engagement and will continue to approach this matter thoughtfully,” officials said. The initial decision drew mixed reactions online, with some residents criticizing the repaint while others argued the discussion stemmed from misplaced priorities. “Routine maintenance doesn’t require painting over colors in black,” Katie Murphy Arrington wrote in a public Facebook post. “Inclusivity matters. Visibility matters. And the choices our town makes send a message about the community we want to be.” This is not the first time a community has dealt with the removal of rainbow crosswalks. Similar conflicts have played out in other parts of the country as local governments grapple with federal and state pushback over street art. In August 2025, state workers in Orlando, Florida, paved over a rainbow crosswalk outside the former Pulse nightclub that honored victims of the 2016 mass shooting. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer called the move a “cruel political act,” while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis defended the decision, stating that officials “will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes.” Texas cities including Dallas, Austin and Houston were also forced to remove their rainbow crosswalks following state and federal directives. In San Antonio, leaders ultimately painted Pride flag colors onto public sidewalks instead of the street in May 2026 to comply with the rules. Town officials clarified that the rainbow paint used on the crosswalks was previously donated and applied outside normal maintenance routines. Local reporting by the Swampscott Tides indicated that nine of the town’s 10 pride crosswalks were repainted last year for approximately $8,000 via two donors, at a time when repainting a single crosswalk would have cost the town about $800. A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched to restore the rainbow colors, raising $1,800 toward a $5,000 target as of Wednesday afternoon. “Those crosswalks helped people feel that the town supported them and welcomed them,” the fundraiser’s description states. “Now that they have been covered over, many people are feeling that support has been taken away.” Despite the changes, town officials said Swampscott “remains committed to being an inclusive and welcoming community for all.” “The Town recognizes the significance these crosswalks have held for members of our community and appreciates the generosity and spirit behind their original installation,” officials said in their Friday statement. “We want to be clear that this routine maintenance work does not reflect any change in the Town’s unyielding commitment to supporting and welcoming our LGBTQIA+ residents, families, and visitors.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments