However, the crosswalks will not be covered in rainbow stripes this time. Instead, residents will soon be able to cross the street on pink, blue, and white paint as the city transforms two of its crosswalks into the colors of the Transgender Flag.
In a press release, the City of Olympia announced the move, stating, "In honor of Pride month, the City of Olympia has painted two crosswalks at 5th Avenue and Washington Street with the colors of the Transgender Flag. The crosswalk painting is timed to be completed for the month-long recognition of Pride in June."
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The city's decision to honor the transgender flag with the crosswalks is a way of standing with transgender communities, which have been specifically targeted with harmful legislation and an increase in hate crimes, according to the city's Twitter account. The city will be hosting an event to unveil the project on June 3 at 1 pm, located at the two intersections, featuring speakers, city officials, and community leaders.
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However, the move has not been without controversy. During the legislative session, the Washington State Democrat-controlled House and Senate passed a series of pro-LGBTQ bills, which wrapped up earlier this month at the state capitol in Olympia. Among the bills signed into law by Democrat Gov. Jay Inslee included one that allows child sex changes, or Senate Bill 5599, which has received nationwide criticism. SB 5599, or the "supporting youth and young adults seeking protected health care services" bill, allows the state government to hide children's whereabouts from their parents if they don't consent to their child's wishes to transition to the opposite sex.
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While the city of Olympia claims its decision to paint the crosswalks the colors of the transgender flag is intended to combat increased "hate" towards people who identify themselves with the concept, the local government failed to provide examples. Although a small group expressed excitement for the new "paint job," many across social media slammed the city for wasting taxpayer funds and questioned if lawmakers would address the increase in violence from trans-identified community members.
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"Olympia chose to be woke. You ok with the Trans violence against those who speak out against them too?" an individual wrote on Twitter. "What a complete waste of taxpayer dollars. By promoting this agenda, you are actively promoting the grooming and indoctrination of children worldwide. Enough is enough," another said. "All bigotry is over now. Thanks to a painted road!" added another. "What a waste of taxpayer money lol. Would have been better spent directly donating to LGBT centers, instead of virtue signaling."
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