Westport's Permanent Rainbow Pride Crosswalk Completed

WESTPORT, CT — Public Works crews completed the permanent Rainbow Pride crosswalk in downtown Westport Monday, at the intersection of Taylor Place and Jesup Road.

In June, the Board of Selectwomen unanimously approved the new crosswalk, which was funded privately and not through taxpayer money.

The installation of the crosswalk was spearheaded by Westport Pride and its founder, Brian McGunagle, and Dr. Nikki Gorman, who launched a petition to make it permanent.

A temporary camera surveillance system was also set up in an effort to protect the crosswalk from potential vandalism; a permanent surveillance system is expected to be installed in the future, according to McGunagle.

"We're really excited to finally have this in place," McGunagle told Patch. "It was a multi-year endeavor in partnership with the Town of Westport."

McGunagle brought his young children downtown on Monday to show them the vibrant, new crosswalk, which marks a significant step in Westport towards promoting diversity, inclusion, and acceptance.

An official Dedication Ceremony has been scheduled for 1 p.m. on Oct. 11, with community leaders, donors, and advocates expected to attend.

"The colors represent the progression of the Pride Flag from its original design in the late 1960s to its most recent one. We feel everyone in the LGBTQ+ community is represented by the colors, and we hope that it makes everyone feel welcome in our community."