WILTON MANORS, Fla. — Despite a looming thunderstorm, a large crowd formed in Wilton Manors on the Wilton Bridge in response to the state’s recent order to remove painted crosswalks.
It was the second of two demonstrations Monday evening with a simple message: they will not erase us.
Around 50 people were seen chanting together along Sebastian Street in Fort Lauderdale Beach for the first gathering.
Miss Bouvee, a local drag artist, organized the demonstration in response to the states mandate that Fort Lauderdale remove the pride flag painted on the street, a street that cars barely use.
“Power in numbers and I think we have to show it’s not just a nine-foot drag queen in feathers that cares about this,” said Miss Bouvee. “Review what statistics do you have that they are safe, because they’re out there and they are safer than what people are claiming.”
The Florida Department of Transportation recently sent letters to Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, Key West and Delray Beach, ordering the removal of art in several crosswalks.
It’s a mandate that members of the LGBTQ+ community say is beyond unnecessary because of what the art means.
“It means a gateway for all of the tourists who visit our community who want to find the LGBTQ+ community, when they see this rainbow, they know they are home,” said Patrik Gallineaux.
An even larger group formed in Wilton Manors on the Wilton rainbow bridge Monday night for an additional demonstration against the state’s mandate.
Fr. Rich Vitale 25 02 “Only when all of our voices are singing in unison and harmony are we going to be able to overcome the forces that would put us back into the closet.”
Fort Lauderdale’s City Commission and mayor are set to meet in a special session Wednesday at 6 p.m. to discuss how the city will handle the state’s order.
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