LGBTQ+ Community in Orlando
Rainbow sidewalks might seem arbitrary; it is just a chunk of concrete. It doesn’t do anything for the LGBTQ+ community in Florida. But, why do rainbow crosswalks matter? If you are curious keep reading.
The Rainbow crosswalk near downtown Orlando is an important symbol to the community here in Florida because it is a memorial to the 49 who lost their lives in 2016 tragically, at the Pulse nightclub shooting. This memorial of a rainbow crosswalk as well as converting the club itself into a memorial for the victims has been Orlando’s way of honoring the 49 and remembering their lives and legacy.
Ron DeSantis in the interest of “road safety” and not being distracting, ruled in July to cover all novelty crosswalks. They painted over the pulse memorial in the cover of night not even ten years after this tragedy. It is disheartening to many people, LGBTQ+ and allies, that this coverage happened, especially in our current political climate.
This act is sad and discouraging, but I want to bring your attention to other parts of this news story. The people and the community. People have shown up with support every day since this has occurred. In this unfortunate circumstance, we can also choose to see the hope too. The people standing out in the sun on the sidewalks of Orlando showing support and solidarity; and the chalk they carried out there to color the now black crosswalk and write encouraging messages to others. They then brought paint to make that chalk art permanent. Then it was painted black again, but the next day, more people arrived with chalk and paints and added the rainbow back. This is an example of resilience. In our current socio-political climate, it is easy to notice discouraging news and happenings, but I encourage you to remember; the government has not always been correct about many things. Dissent and resistance is what got slavery abolished, segregation ended, and gay marriage legalized. We do not look to the governing body to make all of the correct choices. We look to our community. We can color the sidewalk with chalk every day because it IS we not I. We are not alone! We have each other in our Orlando community to lean on and lead us through the coming years.
When you are feeling discouraged as an LGBTQ+ person in FL, remember you have resources and a community here such as The Center, Orlando Youth Alliance, One Orlando Alliance, Equality FL, The Pride Chamber, Zebra Coalition, Peer support Network, and Orlando Gay Chorus just to name a few. You do not have to be alone. You have people in your community and in your corner. You have people who will come and color the sidewalk with you in solidarity and hope for the future. We all have something we can do and we are incapable of it if we do not care for ourselves. Reach out to your local resources, get involved in ways you are capable, build yourself a community, and talk to someone when you need it. If you are LGBTQ+ and this resonates with you, reach out to us at Life Enhancement Counseling Services. Please contact us at 407-443-8862 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed mental health counselors. You deserve support, a safe space, and to take care of yourself. Take that first step. There are more people who will color the sidewalk with you and remind you that you are wanted here and have a place in this community.
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