‘It seems intentional’: Massachusetts town officials face questions over rainbow crosswalk removals

As Pride rainbow crosswalks have been erased in conservative states across the country, officials in one Massachusetts town must explain why the same happened there.

Residents of Swampscott, about 15 miles north of Boston, are demanding answers after two rainbow crosswalks painted in support of the LGBTQ+ community were restriped in black and white by town officials.

On October 9, Swampscott officials posted on the town’s website and Facebook page that “regularly scheduled maintenance” had taken place and acknowledged that “two crosswalks that had previously been painted in rainbow colors in recognition and support of the LGBTQIA+ community were restriped,” though they said the work did not signal a change in the town’s support for LGBTQ+ residents.

Related: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy implies rainbow crosswalks could lead to traffic dangers

“The Town recognizes the significance these crosswalks have held for members of our community and appreciates the generosity and spirit behind their original installation. We want to be clear that this routine maintenance work does not reflect any change in the Town’s unyielding commitment to supporting and welcoming our LGBTQIA+ residents, families, and visitors,” the post reads.

“Swampscott remains committed to being an inclusive and welcoming community for all," the post continues. The town disabled comments on the post.

Some residents remain skeptical, though.

“I was dumbfounded and disappointed — it seems intentional,” Melissa Weinand told ABC affiliate WCVB. “I know they’re saying it’s routine maintenance, but if that's the case then there should have been more discussion about potentially adding the color back, which there clearly has not been.”

Related: Red states are destroying their rainbow crosswalks. Here's what you should know

In a Facebook post, resident Katie Murphy Arrington called the town’s response “unacceptable.”

“Our gorgeous crosswalks are more than colorful streets — they represent visibility, inclusivity, and the right for everyone to feel seen, safe, and accepted,” she wrote.

“Painting them black wasn’t an accident; it took time, thought, and resources. When symbols of inclusion are erased, we have to ask what message that sends to the very communities they were meant to welcome.”

Also speaking to WCVB, resident Michael Paquette asked, “Why did it happen in the first place?”

Officials followed up with another post on Oct. 12, saying they “remain unyielding in our commitment to ensuring Swampscott is a welcoming and inclusive community for all,” and are “reviewing the policies and procedures surrounding roadway markings, including those supported through private donations, to ensure there is a clear and consistent process moving forward.”

The post also said they “encourage residents who wish to share their perspectives to attend our October 21 Select Board meeting to participate in a dialogue. We appreciate the community’s engagement and will continue to approach this matter thoughtfully.”

Rebecca and Peter Spellios donated “just south of $8,000” in 2025 to repaint nine of the 10 crosswalks, according to The Swampscott Tides. The outlet quoted them as saying at the time, “now is not the time for Swampscott to lose its voice.”

As The Advocate reported, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ordered states in July 2025 to eliminate rainbow crosswalks and other “distractions” in what he described as an effort to prevent traffic fatalities, without providing evidence linking decorated crosswalks to traffic fatalities.

Related: Cities in Texas and Florida install new rainbow walkways as Republicans crack down on Pride crosswalks

“Roads are for safety, not political messages,” he said.

Texas and Florida were among the states to follow suit, with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis defending the decision to paint over a memorial for the Pulse shooting victims in Orlando. In Houston, an overnight standoff ended with arrests over a rainbow-painted crosswalk that had also stood as a memorial to a 21-year-old man killed at the intersection.

However, cities including Atlanta, San Antonio, and Miami Beach have taken different approaches to preserving LGBTQ+ visibility. Atlanta officials said they would keep a prominent rainbow crosswalk, San Antonio moved forward with rainbow sidewalks, and Miami Beach rebuilt its rainbow installation inside a public park. St. Petersburg installed rainbow-colored bike racks after being forced to remove its Pride crosswalks, maintaining a visible show of support for the LGBTQ+ community.

A GoFundMe has been started in Swampscott to raise $5,000 “to help restore the rainbow crosswalks and show support for the LGBTQ+ community in town.”