1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my outrage over the removal of the rainbow crosswalk at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, which was painted over in the dead of night on 8/20-21/2025. This was no mere act of maintenance or following orders; it was an intentional and mean-spirited effort to erase a vital symbol of hope, healing, and solidarity. The rainbow crosswalk was a poignant memorial to the victims of the Pulse shooting, a tragedy that was not just a senseless act of violence but a hate crime that targeted the LGBTQ+ community. To wipe away that symbol is a hate crime in itself, meant to dishonor the memory of those who perished, and to undermine the struggles of a community that has already faced too much hate and violence. The decision to paint over this crosswalk that was approved by the city, without prior public discussion or notice as required by Florida law, is a disturbing act of silencing dissent and erasing history. It is an affront to the LGBTQ+ community, the Pulse survivors, and every Floridian who stands for equality, dignity, and respect. This callous act sends the message that the pain and struggles of marginalized communities can be so easily wiped away, as if their existence is something to be disregarded. Moreover, it is impossible to ignore the broader context in which this act occurred: at a time when our state’s leadership has systematically sought to silence voices of dissent and limit freedoms for the LGBTQ+ community. This removal is yet another example of the Governor's administration using its power to stifle the visibility and voice of those it deems inconvenient or undeserving of respect. The erasure of this crosswalk is a reflection of that agenda, and it must not stand. I demand that you take immediate action to rectify this wrong. The rainbow crosswalk must be restored, and a clear message must be sent that Florida will *not* tolerate the silencing of marginalized communities. I expect you to stand with the LGBTQ+ community, the victims of Pulse, and the people of Florida who believe in justice and inclusion. If the crosswalk cannot be restored to its original location, it must be relocated in consultation with those who have a stake in this symbol’s meaning, especially those who lived through the tragedy at Pulse. This is not just a matter of public art or symbolism—it is a matter of human dignity and the right to exist without fear or erasure. I am holding you accountable to represent ALL Floridians, and to stand up for those whose voices are too often ignored. I expect a prompt and direct response regarding your plan to address this issue.