El Paso Celebrates Diversity & Inclusion With New PRIDE Square

Downtown El Paso got a splash of color over the weekend and it’s all in honor of PRIDE month!

“I believe that this really sends a message to other cities and it speaks volumes on how far El Paso has come as a city,” said EP Sun City PRIDE President, Edward Gallardo.

Early Tuesday morning locals and community partners gathered outside of what is known as PRIDE square in Downtown El Paso to unveil the rainbow-painted crosswalk that represents inclusion and diversity for the LGBTQ+ community.

“This not only represents our LGBTQ+ community but it also represents the El Paso community coming together as one,” said Gallardo.

The rainbow-painted crosswalks were painted near N. Stanton St. between Franklin and Missouri.

“The City is committed to developing a fully inclusive society by celebrating diversity and inclusion through the promotion of mutual respect, tolerance, and acceptance,” said City officials.

This rainbow crosswalk has been int he works for years now.

The painting of an official PRIDE square rainbow has been in the works for over 15 years according to EP Sun City PRIDE officials.

"I can't believe it. After17 years of "let's do it" discussions and meetings, the day has finally arrived!! And now, the icing on the cake, to be officially called PRIDE SQUARE,” wrote Dave Castle, Parade Co-director for Sun City PRIDE.

Iris Lopez

El Paso is showing its PRIDE in other ways throughout June.

The El Paso Zoo recently posted a video of Ginger the miniature pig showing her support for PRIDE month. The El Paso Zoo society will be showing off their ambassador animals throughout June to show how these animals show their support for PRIDE.

The El Paso Museum of History recently held a Family Day: PRIDE event which featured pop-up exhibitions that showcased El Paso’s Pride and Resistance.

“The exhibit features the artwork of the late local queer, Chicano artist Manuel Acosta, whose work is permanently displayed in the National Portrait Gallery,” read a post on the museum's Instagram page.

The non-profit organization EP Sun City PRIDE will continue to hold events throughout the month to celebrate PRIDE month. Click here for a full list of events.