It’s been nearly a year since state workers blacked out Key West’s rainbow crosswalks, as if redacting a document to conceal an identity. But it’ll take more than blacktop to suppress the island’s identity.
The Key West Business Guild and its nonprofit partner, Gay Key West, will hold a fundraiser on Wednesday, Sept. 9 — the one-year anniversary of the rainbows’ removal — to replace them with permanent reminders of Key West’s LGBT history.
“Key West’s rainbow crosswalk was more than paint on pavement. It became a symbol of our community, our history and the welcoming spirit that has made this island a home for generations of LGBTQ+ people,” states a press release from Gay Key West. “The colors may have been removed from the street, but the history cannot be erased. Join us Sept. 9 as we remember the past — and help create what comes next.”
The Rainbow Crosswalk Memorial fundraiser will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bourbon Street Pub, 724 Duval St. The suggested donation is $10.
“Behind the scenes, the Key West Business Guild has been working with the City of Key West on a multi-step approach to create a Rainbow Crosswalk Memorial and recognize the broader LGBTQ+ history of Key West,” the release states. “During this fundraiser, we will unveil renderings of several historical placards planned for Duval Street. Owned and managed by the Key West Business Guild, these placards will provide an opportunity for our community to tell our story and exercise our freedom of speech. The placards will explore the history of Key West’s LGBTQ+ community, including the story and significance of the former rainbow crosswalks.”
The project includes plans for an augmented-reality experience connected to the rainbow crosswalk placard. Visitors will be able to scan a QR code with their phone and, using their camera, virtually see the rainbow crosswalk restored to the street in front of them, the release states. “While this technology will enable residents and visitors to experience this piece of Key West history,” the group says, “developing and maintaining the AR experience requires a significant investment. Funds raised during this event will help make that technology — and the larger memorial project — possible.”
Each attendee will receive a piece of colored chalk — a small way for everyone to continue adding color to the island. The event will also include a silent auction.
A limited number of businesses will have the opportunity to sponsor one of the historical placards. Four such sponsorships will initially be available. Sponsoring businesses will receive recognition, including their logo on the sponsored sign as well as recognition on the website being developed to host the augmented-reality experience. Any individual or businesses interested in sponsoring a placard may contact Jordan Upchurch at itssocialtimesomewhere@gmail.com.
