Michael Adkison/Houston Public Media

Hours after the rainbow crosswalks were removed from the intersection of Westheimer Road and Taft Street, at the behest of the state government, a local Houston artist wanted to make his voice heard.

"I could just feel how upset everyone was and how they felt like Houston had turned its back on the gay community," Nicky Davis said in an interview with Houston Public Media . "And I just thought the only thing I can do as a muralist — this is what I do — is paint the biggest rainbow mural I could find."

Davis, who describes his art as "somewhat cartoony, nostalgic, evil Dr. Seuss," grew up in Montrose. He had previously thought the rainbow crosswalks were a reflection that Houston was an inclusive city.

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