Defending Delray Beach’s Pride Intersection: Why Inclusion Matters

I recently made Delray Beach my home after living in Wellington, Florida. One of the first things that drew me here wasn’t a luxury condo or a trendy café—it was the Pride Intersection. The rainbow crosswalk isn’t just paint on pavement; it’s a beacon that signals this city values inclusion, diversity, and community. As a Black LGBTQ+ REALTOR®️, seeing that intersection told me I could live authentically, work confidently, and be near those I identify with and serve.

Now, that symbol of belonging is under threat. The Florida Department of Transportation is demanding that cities remove “political” crosswalks from public roads. Let me be clear: a rainbow is not a political statement. It is an expression of identity, a celebration of who we are, and a marker of safety and community. It’s no different than a mural honoring Black history or any cultural artwork that celebrates marginalized communities. Removing the Pride Intersection would erase a powerful message that says: You are seen. You belong here.

Delray Beach's Vice Mayor, Rob Long, is courageously standing up to preserve this intersection, and I am proud to support him. The Pride Intersection is more than art—it is an affirmation of community values. Its removal would send a chilling message to LGBTQ+ residents, Black residents, and allies that our visibility is negotiable and our safety is uncertain.

Across Florida, under the current political climate, members of protected classes are increasingly under threat. The leadership at both the state and federal levels has created a climate where identity is politicized, and communities that should feel safe feel targeted. For me, as a Black LGBTQ+ professional, removing a crosswalk that celebrates my identity feels like a personal and collective erasure.

Despite these challenges, Delray Beach remains a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space. I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with city and county officials to ensure our community reflects the values we cherish: diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Symbols like the Pride Intersection are not just aesthetic—they are statements of who we are, who we serve, and the type of community we fight to maintain.

I will continue to advocate for Delray Beach as a city that celebrates all residents, regardless of race, sexual orientation, or identity. Where we live should not be dictated by politics; it should reflect the people who call it home. The Pride Intersection is a reminder that our presence is not negotiable—it is a matter of being, belonging, and thriving.

Call to Action: If you value inclusion and diversity in Delray Beach, join me in supporting the preservation of the Pride Intersection. Our city is stronger when we celebrate every resident, honor every community, and stand against erasure. Together, we can ensure Delray Beach remains a safe, welcoming, and vibrant home for all.

Feel free to email your thoughts to tori@realestatetori.com