As proud, tax-paying Texans, we appreciate the concern for over the use of taxpayer dollars for certain projects. But it’s important to clarify that the rainbow crosswalks in Dallas’ Oak Lawn neighborhood were not paid for with public funds. They were made possible entirely through private donations, local fundraising, and community volunteerism.
No taxpayer dollars were used.
These crosswalks represent far more than colorful paint. They are a celebration of pride, inclusion and belonging — a visible expression of support for a community that has endured generations of discrimination and invisibility. What began as an act of love and civic pride is now being mischaracterized as a political controversy. That is disheartening.
Our purpose has never been political. It has been — and remains — about safety, visibility and authenticity. The rainbow crosswalks serve as a welcoming signal that everyone belongs and that every Texan should be able to walk their streets without fear or shame.
We would like to thank the many generous donors who have made the Dallas Crosswalk Project successful. These individuals and business willingly pledged their hard-earned dollars to bring the largest number of rainbow crosswalks in Texas (if not the country) to fruition.
The LGBTQ Chamber Foundation and the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce are unwavering in our dedication to our community through efforts such as the crosswalks, among many others. We will continue to take the necessary steps to maintain the crosswalks and support our community.
A letter from Stonewall Democrats of Dallas
Disguising hate as “ religious freedom”
The Supreme Court is now weighing whether states can ban “conversion therapy.” Let’s be clear: Conversion therapy is abuse. It destroys lives. It teaches kids that who they are is wrong.
Every credible major medical group in America says conversion therapy doesn’t work. What it does do is cause depression, trauma and suicide. The fact that anyone still defends it is shameful.
If the court strikes down these bans, it will open the door for licensed therapists to harm LGBTQ+ kids in the name of “religious freedom.” That’s not religious freedom; it’s hate.
And yet, today’s Republican Party is cheering this on. GOP leaders keep pushing laws that strip LGBTQ+ rights, ban gender-affirming care and censor queer voices. Now, with a radical, far-right supreme court, they’re trying to bring back one of the darkest chapters in LGBTQ+ history.
Here in Dallas, some groups — like the Log Cabin Republicans — still pretend the GOP can be a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people. But you can’t wear a rainbow pin while your party cheers for policy that will kill LGBTQ+ youth.
If the Log Cabin Republicans truly care about LGBTQ+ lives, they must do more than hold happy hours and host photo ops. They must join us in condemning the GOP’s attacks and the extremist justices leading this charge.
Silence is siding with hate.
Dallas knows better. Our community has fought too hard, for too long, to go backward. Conversion therapy does real harm to our community. And anyone who defends it, or the party that enables it, has no claim to inclusivity.