Through the Static

By Hannah Saunders

Just ahead of Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), a day to celebrate the Trans community’s joy, resilience, and achievements across the globe, and a day that raises awareness about the discrimination and violence they face, the City of Olympia removed the Trans Pride flag crosswalk and the LGBTQ+ Pride flag crosswalk. The paintings were located at Legion Way and Columbia St., and Washington St and 5th Ave. 

“The crosswalk removal is temporary. This work is the first step in the project to refresh the Pride and Transgender crosswalks at these intersections. In order to replace the crosswalk markings, the old worn markings needed to be removed entirely. New bright plastic markings will be installed next. The new markings will be installed when weather allows, before the end of May,” the City stated in a social media post. 

Leaders who helped ignite the Queer Rights Movement included Trans women of color, Marsha P. Johnson and Carmen Rivera, and the removal of visibility, acceptance, and representation in the state’s capitol can be viewed as a disrespectful act, or even demeaning, considering the Olympia City Council issued a TDOV proclamation on March 24. 

“The Council also recognized and extended gratitude to 19 community members concluding their service across nine City advisory boards and commissions,” according to another social media post. “Their dedication, expertise, and lived experience help shape Olympia’s policies and procedures. 

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