Published 4 weeks ago
The LGBTQIA+ community has faced decades of resistance, both socially and politically. And while there’s been major progress over the years in spite of that, it seems that now, as so much ground has been gained, some politicians aren’t too happy about it and are trying to dial things back a bit. Take Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s October 2025 initiative issued through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), which ordered cities to remove rainbow crosswalks, many of which are located in Pride districts.
While Houston’s METRO has already removed the crosswalks in Montrose, others across the state are pushing back. The City of San Antonio, for instance, filed an exemption request, per KSAT 12. Even a Dallas church is responding in a way some might not expect. Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, located a short distance from one of the rainbow crosswalks, is standing firmly with the LGBTQIA+ community, and they’re doing it with a bold gesture. Here’s what they did, and more on why Abbott wants the rainbow crosswalks gone.
Dallas Church Responds to Rainbow Crosswalk Removal Initiative by Painting Its Steps in Rainbow Colors
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he wanted all rainbow crosswalks gone, and while he may succeed with his October 2025 initiative, one Dallas church, Oak Lawn United Methodist, found a loophole to keep rainbow walkways alive. Their solution was to paint the church’s wide split concrete steps in bright rainbow colors.
It’s probably one of the bolder moves to make, especially coming from a church, but Oak Lawn United Methodist has made it clear through several Instagram posts that they stand for unity and living freely. In a post shared just days after the steps were painted with colored lacquer, the caption read: “Those colors on our steps honor every soul the church has too often forgotten — queer and trans siblings, Black and brown bodies, anyone told God’s image didn’t include them. We refuse to let that lie stand. Our Gospel is loud, clear, and big enough for everyone.”
In another post that advocated for drag, noting that “drag is not a crime,” the church’s beliefs are made even clearer. The caption read, “Freedom to live truthfully is how we know the Gospel of Love Jesus proclaimed.” The church has since received an outpouring of support for all of its gestures, including the stairs and supporting the trans community, and even announced they’ll be consecrating the “Rainbow Stairs,” making them a permanent symbol of the church.
Greg Abbott Wants Rainbow Crosswalks Gone
Abbott announced in an Oct. 8, 2025, press release that Texas cities must “remove any and all political ideologies from our streets,” and that includes rainbow sidewalks. He claims they not only “advance political agendas” but also distract drivers. “Texans expect their taxpayer dollars to be used wisely, not to advance political agendas on Texas roadways,” Abbott’s press release stated. That same day, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) issued a notice to city and county transportation officials giving them 30 days from the date of the notice to comply, or risk losing state or federal funding, among other consequences.
Oak Lawn United Methodist Church responded to Abbott’s initiative with a very clear and loud message. What’s your take on it all? Comment below.
