RAINBOW CROSSWALKS are vibrant displays of solidarity that can found in more than twenty American cities. Transformative in nature, they act as a monument to LGBTQIA+ people sending a powerful message of inclusion to all who traverse their colors. For youth who may be concerned about expressing their sexual orientation or gender identity, rainbow crosswalks signify that a community is welcoming, supportive, and, most importantly, safe. For the bullied or ostracized, they send a message of hope and encouragement for a better future. To everyone else, a rainbow crosswalk potently communicates that hate and intolerance have no home in that community.
The first acknowledged rainbow crosswalk was a temporary installation in West Hollywood in 2012 done for Pride Month. Since then, San Francisco, Sydney, Seattle, Key West, Miami, Philadelphia, Toronto, Phoenix, Ottawa, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, Albuquerque, Ames, the District of Columbia, and Denver have all installed permanent crosswalks, and the list keeps growing.
The City of Salisbury made history in 2018 by unveiling the first rainbow crosswalk in the State of Maryland. Installed by more than 60 Salisbury PFLAG volunteers with donated paint and materials, volunteers traveled from as far as three hours away to participate. Immediately after its introduction the crosswalk became a symbolic celebration of diversity and inclusion, acting as a beacon of hope for many residents. Located between South Division and Market Street in front of the Wicomico Public Library, the crosswalk even became a prominent feature during the National Folk Festival.
A year later, Maryland's then only rainbow crosswalk was repainted by hundreds of volunteers. Snacks, drinks, paint, and supplies were provided by Salisbury PFLAG as well as donated by supportive business for volunteers, and the City incurred no costs.
The first acknowledged rainbow crosswalk was a temporary installation in West Hollywood in 2012 done for Pride Month. Since then, San Francisco, Sydney, Seattle, Key West, Miami, Philadelphia, Toronto, Phoenix, Ottawa, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, Albuquerque, Ames, the District of Columbia, and Denver have all installed permanent crosswalks, and the list keeps growing.
The City of Salisbury made history in 2018 by unveiling the first rainbow crosswalk in the State of Maryland. Installed by more than 60 Salisbury PFLAG volunteers with donated paint and materials, volunteers traveled from as far as three hours away to participate. Immediately after its introduction the crosswalk became a symbolic celebration of diversity and inclusion, acting as a beacon of hope for many residents. Located between South Division and Market Street in front of the Wicomico Public Library, the crosswalk even became a prominent feature during the National Folk Festival.
A year later, Maryland's then only rainbow crosswalk was repainted by hundreds of volunteers. Snacks, drinks, paint, and supplies were provided by Salisbury PFLAG as well as donated by supportive business for volunteers, and the City incurred no costs.
The Salisbury Rainbow Crosswalk is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. Right near the banks of the Wicomico River and adjacent to the Riverwalk, it is a fantastic spot for photos. When posting photos and videos taken at the Crosswalk, we appreciate if the hashtag #SBYPFLAG is used so that we can all share in the hope and kindness that the Crosswalk evokes.
In 2021, following a year of great uncertainty and a global pandemic, PFLAG Salisbury realized that an opportunity existed to make history again with a unique and revolutionary crosswalk redesign that would include progress pride and trans flag sections.
The world's first two permanent trans crosswalks were both painted in Canada in 2017 in Whitehorse and Alberta, respectively, and were followed in the ensuing years by Alamere in the Netherlands, Toronto, and Chicago. The first permanent progress pride crosswalks were installed in West Hollywood and the District of Columbia both occurring in 2020.
On June 26th, 2021 well over 125 volunteers came together to celebrate Pride and make history as we repainted Maryland’s first rainbow crosswalk and added two new sections introducing the State’s first progress pride and trans pride crosswalks. A deluge of rain soaked everyone during the last hour and ended the day early with more painting still remaining. The next day, a small but intrepid crew of 30 finished the installation. The project was supported by a Salisbury University Fulton Humanities Grant.
The 2021 Salisbury crosswalk is a unique configuration encompassing the traditional rainbow flag, the progress pride flag, and a trans flag. The Salisbury crosswalk sets yet a number of firsts for Maryland:
- First rainbow crosswalk established 2018
- First progress pride crosswalk established 2021
- First transgender crosswalk established 2021
In 2022, the cross walk was touched up with a fresh coat of paint during an event that included a celebration of art and culture as well as a community fair in conjunction with LGBTQIA+ History Month in October.
In 2023 and 2024, the tradition continues with an event that we hope will grow bigger and bigger each October and serve as a point of pride for the Eastern Shore.
The 2021 Salisbury Rainbow Crosswalk redesign was funded by Salisbury University Fulton Humanities Grant
