Locals repaint the rainbow crosswalk for possibly the last time
SALISBURY, Md. – Saturday morning, Salisbury PFLAG repainted the rainbow crosswalk in downtown Salisbury, as they have annually since it was commissioned in 2017.
This year could hold a special significance for the organization, though, as uncertainty of the crosswalk’s future looms.
“The rainbow crosswalk is not just pretty little rainbow colors of paint on the side for people to see. It’s a sign. It’s a symbol of unity,” said Salisbury PFLAG Executive Director Mark DeLancey.
According to DeLancey, this year’s crosswalk painting represented their rededication to supporting the local LGBTQ+ community: “Let everyone know that we’re renewing our vow, our presence here, our commitment as an LGBTQ ally and member of the community.”
In September, Salisbury Mayor Randy Taylor stated the city will be soliciting proposals for artwork that would replace the current crosswalk in 2025, an idea that hasn’t sat well with PFLAG.
“To try to paint over something or try to take something away from a community is not being inclusive of any community, if you’re going to take something away in the name of somebody or everybody else,” DeLancey said.
Salisbury City Councilwoman Michele Gregory said the council may not back Mayor Taylor’s decision to get rid of the rainbow crosswalk. “I believe that would be met with resistance. I believe the majority of the council would vote against it…I believe the worst that could happen is he just [does] not allow the permits to get it repainted. That’s the one thing he has total control over.”
With a long road of uncertainty ahead, DeLancey said if they are denied the chance to repaint the crosswalk in the future, PFLAG will find a way to fly their colors on their own property: “We will actually go onto private property and paint something loud and proud for everyone in the community to see. There will be no erasing us. I promise.”
When it was first painted in 2017, Salisbury’s rainbow crosswalk was the first in the state of Maryland.
Mayor Taylor confirmed to WMDT that his plans have not changed. He said a selection process and procedure will be put in place this spring, to choose a proposal that will replace the current crosswalk.
