In a surprising turn of events, San Antonio's first openly gay mayor, Gina Ortiz Jones, has decided not to sign a resolution aimed at protecting the city’s only rainbow crosswalk, sparking a wave of criticism from the local LGBTQ+ community. The controversy began following Texas Governor Greg Abbott's directive to remove this symbolic piece of LGBTQ+ pride from the heart of San Antonio's gayborhood.
During a Thursday night celebration marking the area’s designation as a cultural district, Mayor Jones addressed the crowd, which had been anticipating a strong stand against the removal. However, her remarks, perceived by many as cautious and non-confrontational, left some attendees feeling disappointed. Jones, a former Under Secretary of the Air Force under the Biden administration, expressed a reluctance to directly oppose Abbott's directive, citing concerns about potential backlash.
Community Calls for Action
The directive to remove rainbow crosswalks is part of a broader initiative led by former Trump's Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, who argues that such crosswalks pose safety risks due to potential distractions. Despite these claims, community members feel the move is a targeted attack on LGBTQ+ symbols and spaces.
Mayor Jones assured the crowd that the city would seek an exemption from the directive. "There are numerous ways to express our pride and ensure our community feels recognized and respected," she stated. "We must avoid unnecessary retaliation against our most vulnerable members." Despite this reassurance, Jones seemed resigned to the possibility of the rainbow crosswalk's removal.
"My pride does not depend on this crosswalk," she told those gathered. "It's in my heart and mind. Our identity, contributions, and worth will not be diminished by paint or directives. We'll find other ways to express who we are."
Mixed Reactions from the Community
San Antonio, known as Military City, USA, due to its historical and military significance, is home to the Alamo and several military bases. The rally that evening included speeches from various community leaders and activists, many of whom signed a resolution urging the city council to preserve the crosswalk. However, Mayor Jones abstained from signing.
The rainbow crosswalk, located at the intersection of Main Avenue and Evergreen Street, was installed in 2018 thanks to about $19,000 in privately raised funds. It's the only such crosswalk in the city, and similar installations have already been removed in other Texas cities, including Houston and Dallas.
James Poindexter, the secretary for Pride San Antonio, expressed disappointment in Mayor Jones' response to Gov. Abbott's order. "She made decisions without consulting community stakeholders," he told local news outlet KSAT. "The gathering could have been an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, but it was missed."
Conversely, James Barker, a local business owner, delivered a message of resilience. "Long before this crosswalk, we existed," Barker declared. "They might take it away, but once Abbott and others are no longer in office, we’ll create something even bigger and better."
Looking Ahead
In her remarks, Mayor Jones emphasized a pragmatic approach. "Let's focus on attainable goals," she suggested. "Managing expectations is crucial, and I wish to concentrate on what we can realistically accomplish." City attorneys are currently tasked with filing for an exemption by November 8, as per the Texas Department of Transportation's guidelines.
In the meantime, the San Antonio LGBTQ+ community remains vigilant and determined to preserve their cultural symbols and spaces. While the rainbow crosswalk's fate hangs in the balance, the spirit of the community is unwavering. As seen in past efforts, the community is prepared to adapt and continue advocating for visibility and equality, no matter the challenges ahead.
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