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In Florida, artistic expressions in streets and crosswalks have become the new target of state policy.
A recent order bans all types of painting in public spaces that convey social or political messages, directly affecting symbols of LGBTQ+ pride.
According to a report by the agency AP, the Florida Department of Transportation issued a memorandum prohibiting the so-called "surface art" on crosswalks, sidewalks, and intersections.
The measure, championed by the Republican governor Ron DeSantis's administration, warns that cities that do not comply could lose access to state funds designated for infrastructure.
The regulation requires the removal of the crosswalks featuring rainbow colors that had become symbols of diversity in several communities.
In Orlando, state workers painted the intersection in gray in front of the Pulse club, where 49 people were killed in 2016 in the deadliest massacre against the LGBTQ+ community in the country at that time.
According to AP, the reaction was swift: activists, artistic collectives, and citizens have responded with symbolic protests.
A restorer from Orlando, for example, gave up dozens of parking spaces for artists to fill them with colors as a gesture of resistance.
In Sarasota, a community church painted a 500-foot stretch in rainbow colors as a sign of support for diversity.
Critics argue that the measure is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a series of actions by DeSantis' government against LGBTQ+ rights, which include restrictions on education regarding gender identity and gender-affirming treatments.
“Art has always been both resistance and healing. If they erase the symbols of pride, we will create more,” said one of the organizers cited by AP.
In August, DeSantis ordered the cities in the state to remove the crosswalks painted with rainbow colors and warned that failure to comply could result in losing millions of dollars in funding.
The measure affects communities such as Miami Beach, Key West, and Fort Lauderdale, where these symbols of LGBTQ pride and inclusion have been installed.
At that time, it was reported that the municipalities had until early September to comply with the regulation.
In the case of Miami Beach, the deadline was September 4th.
Commissioner Alex Fernández stated that an appeal would be raised at the meeting on September 3 and defended that these rainbow crosswalks "are a symbol of safety not only for the LGBTQ community, but also for other residents."
Among the first locations to be erased was the intersection in front of the Pulse club in Orlando, the site of the 2016 massacre that left 49 victims.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ban on LGBTQ+ Street Art in Florida
Why has street art featuring LGBTQ+ symbols been prohibited in Florida?
The prohibition of street art featuring LGBTQ+ symbols in Florida is due to an order from Governor Ron DeSantis. The measure prohibits painting social or political messages in road spaces, directly impacting LGBTQ+ pride symbols. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, this includes crosswalks, sidewalks, and intersections.
What impact does this ban have in Florida cities?
The ban affects several cities in Florida, including Miami Beach, Key West, and Fort Lauderdale, which could lose access to state funds if they do not comply with the provision. The cities are required to remove crosswalks painted with rainbow colors, regarded as symbols of diversity and inclusion.
How has the community reacted to this measure?
The community has responded with symbolic protests and acts of resistance. Activists and citizens have organized demonstrations, and some have provided alternative spaces for artistic expression, such as parking lots and sections of streets painted in support of diversity.
Is this measure part of a broader policy against the LGBTQ+ community?
Yes, critics argue that this measure is part of a series of actions by the DeSantis administration against LGBTQ+ rights. It includes restrictions on education regarding gender identity and on gender affirmation treatments, as well as measures to remove pride symbols from public spaces.
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