Brigitte Bandit

Supporters of Austin’s LGBTQ+ community came together downtown on Monday evening for a “Defend Our Crosswalks” protest, following the city of Austin’s decision to comply with a new state order.

The order would lead to the removal of Austin’s rainbow-painted Pride crosswalk and “Black Artists Matter” roadway art. Gov. Greg Abbott told cities and counties to remove displays like these or risk losing state and federal money for projects.

A Change.org “Defend Our Crosswalks” petition calling on city leaders to protect the roadway art has gathered around 2,100 signatures.

“Rainbow crosswalks are a global symbol of inclusion, safety, and belonging,” the petition organizers wrote. “The rainbow intersection at 4th and Colorado, and the ‘Black Artists Matter’ street paint on 11th Street, identify cultural districts that people visit from all over the world.”

The petition organizers are demanding transparency from the city on its communications with the governor. The city has not said when it will comply with Abbott’s order.

“If we allow literal erasure of our communities from the streets of our city — what will the Governor come for next?” the petition says.

Video: @shunyacarroll

10/14/2025

sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/defend-our-crosswalks

Supporters of Austin’s LGBTQ+ community came together downtown on Monday evening for a “Defend Our Crosswalks” protest, following the city of Austin’s decision to comply with a new state order. The order would lead to the removal of Austin’s rainbow-painted Pride crosswalk and “Black Artists Matter” roadway art. Gov. Greg Abbott told cities and counties to remove displays like these or risk losing state and federal money for projects. A Change.org “Defend Our Crosswalks” petition calling on city leaders to protect the roadway art has gathered around 2,100 signatures. “Rainbow crosswalks are a global symbol of inclusion, safety, and belonging,” the petition organizers wrote. “The rainbow intersection at 4th and Colorado, and the ‘Black Artists Matter’ street paint on 11th Street, identify cultural districts that people visit from all over the world.” The petition organizers are demanding transparency from the city on its communications with the governor. The city has not said when it will comply with Abbott’s order. “If we allow literal erasure of our communities from the streets of our city — what will the Governor come for next?” the petition says. Video: @shunyacarroll

08/25/2025

after I spoke out about Mike Hendrix currently running for state rep and his involvement with Caven and how they lobbied to have the drag ban bill pushed thru in 2023, I have now been removed from Pride in Dallas. I was publicly announced, and then the post was deleted, and they never followed up until I reached out and they sent me this. we had a meeting where they explained that I was voted to be removed, and that there are no actual bylaws restricting the people to be involved to be local. only the two people who voted to keep me on joined the meeting. the rest of them did not want to talk to me.

full article about their involvement here: https://www.courthousenews.com/the-plan-to-save-and-or-kill-texas-drag/

08/21/2025

Federal Court Says Drag Shows Are Likely Protected Under First Amendment West Texas A&M President Walter Wender called the performances “misogynistic behavior portraying women as objects.”