Oak Lawn Residents Vow to Defiantly Celebrate Identity After Rainbow Crosswalks Removed

Community groups and local artists plan new permanent installations and events to maintain LGBTQ+ visibility in the neighborhood.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a rainbow-colored crosswalk symbol repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the community's determination to celebrate its LGBTQ+ identity through permanent public art.The Oak Lawn community fights to maintain its LGBTQ+ identity through bold, permanent public art installations after the removal of its iconic rainbow crosswalks.Dallas Today

After the City of Dallas removed its rainbow crosswalks in the Oak Lawn neighborhood following demands from state and federal transportation authorities, local residents and businesses are vowing to find new ways to celebrate the area's LGBTQ+ identity. The Cedar Springs Merchant Association has announced plans for bold, permanent art installations and lighting projects to ensure the neighborhood remains a visible symbol of diversity. Local country singer Kameron Ross and his husband Lio Botello Ross have also released a new song, 'Crosswalks,' with proceeds going to support the community's efforts.

Why it matters

The removal of the rainbow crosswalks, which were seen as an important symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and inclusion, has sparked outrage in the Oak Lawn community. Residents view the move as an act of 'erasure' that threatens the neighborhood's identity and sense of belonging. The community's response highlights the ongoing struggle for visibility and representation, especially for marginalized groups.

The details

After the City of Dallas was forced to remove its rainbow crosswalks and Black Lives Matter street murals due to demands from the Texas Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Cedar Springs Merchant Association vowed to invest in 'bold, permanent, and undeniable visibility' projects. This includes plans for new art installations, enhanced lighting, and permanent rainbow structures along Cedar Springs Road. The association is also hanging branded rainbow banners on light poles in the area.

  • In late 2025, the fight to protect the rainbow crosswalks in Oak Lawn began.
  • In early 2026, the City of Dallas began removing the crosswalks after appeals were denied.
  • On April 8, 2026, the city is scheduled to meet with residents and businesses to discuss the neighborhood's next steps.

The players

Cedar Springs Merchant Association

A local business group that originally funded the rainbow crosswalks in Oak Lawn and is now leading efforts to create new permanent installations and events to maintain LGBTQ+ visibility in the neighborhood.

Kameron Ross

A local country music artist who, along with his husband Lio Botello Ross, has released a new song called 'Crosswalks' to raise awareness and funds for the community's efforts.

Lio Botello Ross

The husband of country singer Kameron Ross, who collaborated with him on the 'Crosswalks' song to support the Oak Lawn community.

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What they’re saying

“We will not be made invisible. In direct response to this erasure, we are embarking on a collective campaign of bold, permanent, and undeniable visibility.”

— Cedar Springs Merchant Association

“The song speaks to what so many people are feeling right now. Especially our trans community, immigrants, and anyone who feels like they're being pushed out or erased.”

— Lio Botello Ross, Husband of country singer Kameron Ross

What’s next

On Friday evening, the city will meet with residents and businesses at the Reverchon Recreation Center to discuss what neighborhood pride will look like moving forward.

The takeaway

The removal of Oak Lawn's rainbow crosswalks has sparked a defiant response from the community, who are determined to find new ways to celebrate their LGBTQ+ identity and ensure the neighborhood remains a visible symbol of diversity and inclusion. This highlights the ongoing struggle for marginalized groups to maintain their visibility and sense of belonging in the face of erasure.