In early October, the coastal town of Swampscott just north of Boston, announced that two crosswalks previously painted in rainbow hues had been restriped in black and white. The town posted the update on October 9, describing the work as regularly scheduled maintenance and insisting that the change did not alter its “unwavering commitment” to the LGBTQ+ community.
The original crosswalks were installed as a visible sign of inclusion, reflecting the town’s longstanding effort to welcome diverse residents and visitors. When the new markings appeared, many locals felt the alteration was more than a simple repaint, interpreting it as a symbolic erasure of a community landmark.
Official explanation and subsequent statements
Swampscott’s website and Facebook page listed the November 9 activity as part of routine upkeep. The notice read, “two crosswalks that had previously been painted in rainbow colors in recognition and support of the LGBTQIA+ community were restriped,” adding that the work “does not reflect any change in the Town’s unyielding commitment to supporting and welcoming our LGBTQIA+ residents, families, and visitors.” The town also emphasized that comments on the post were disabled, limiting public dialogue at that moment.
Following resident protests, the town issued a follow-up on October 12, reaffirming its stance: “We remain unyielding in our commitment to ensuring Swampscott is a welcoming and inclusive community for all.” Officials announced a review of policies governing roadway markings, especially those funded through private donations, and invited citizens to voice their concerns at the October 21 Select Board meeting.
Community reaction and grassroots fundraising
Local voices quickly expressed disappointment. Melissa Weinand told a Boston-area TV station she was “dumbfounded and disappointed — it seems intentional,” questioning why a discussion about restoring the colors had not occurred. Another resident, Katie Murphy Arrington, posted on Facebook that the crosswalks “are more than colorful streets — they represent visibility, inclusivity, and the right for everyone to feel seen, safe, and accepted,” and warned that “painting them black wasn’t an accident; it took time, thought, and resources.”
In response to the outcry, a GoFundMe campaign was launched with a goal of $5,000 to help fund the restoration of the rainbow markings. The effort echoes a 2025 donation from Rebecca and Peter Spellios, who contributed “just south of $8,000” to repaint nine of the ten crosswalks, stating that “now is not the time for Swampscott to lose its voice.”
National backdrop: rainbow crosswalks under fire elsewhere
The Swampscott incident mirrors a broader pattern that began in July 2025 when U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ordered states to remove “distractions” such as rainbow crosswalks, citing traffic safety concerns without presenting supporting data. Republican leaders in Texas and Florida acted on the guidance, with Governor Ron DeSantis defending the removal of a memorial crosswalk for the Pulse shooting victims in Orlando.
Conversely, some cities have resisted the trend. Atlanta pledged to retain a prominent rainbow crosswalk, San Antonio proceeded with rainbow sidewalks, and Miami Beach rebuilt its installation inside a public park. In St. Petersburg, officials replaced removed crosswalks with rainbow-colored bike racks, maintaining a visible show of support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Swampscott’s case illustrates how a local maintenance decision can become a flashpoint in a national debate over public symbolism, safety rhetoric, and community identity.
