Worcester City Council Declares Sanctuary City for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals
Worcester, Massachusetts – In a historic move, the Worcester City Council has voted in favor of a resolution to designate the city as a sanctuary for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. The decision came after a lengthy meeting attended by approximately 200 members of the LGBT+ community who expressed concerns about their safety under the current federal administration.
Vocal Support for Sanctuary Status
During the meeting, numerous speakers took to the podium to voice their support for the resolution. One speaker, adorned in a purple wig, pearl necklace, and white gloves, shared her fears about the federal government’s stance on transgender rights and emphasized the need for local protection. "I need the city to protect me because the federal government will not," she stated, "and I am ‘afraid of Trump.’"
Another speaker, who identified as having multiple disabilities, addressed concerns that the city could face federal funding cuts or become a target of the administration if it were to adopt the measure. She issued a stern warning to those who opposed the resolution: "If you say that you’re afraid of Trump and that’s why you don’t want the city to be a safe space for trans people, you better prepare for trans people to make this a very unsafe space."
"I’m shaking right now. I don’t want to be here," exclaimed another speaker into the microphone before being asked to conclude their remarks. "I’m sorry, am I taking too long pleading for my life?" they retorted. The speaker then questioned the city council, asking how many of their "friends need to die" before action would be taken, and shouted, "Look at me … f—ing pathetic."
Personal Stories and Urgent Appeals
A woman with purple hair spoke emotionally about her two transgender children, while another attendee asked the city leaders to imagine themselves in a same-sex marriage and living in constant fear of their rights being revoked. "You have an incredible opportunity as a community to support our children," said one meeting attendee. "You have an opportunity to decrease the rates of depression and suicide by showing our children that their safety and dignity are a priority."
The resolution to protect transgender and gender-diverse people was introduced a month after Worcester City Councilor-at-Large Thy Nguyen, the first openly nonbinary member of the council, took a hiatus, citing a transphobic environment within the council. A local organization, "Queer Residents of Worcester and Our Allies," subsequently filed a petition urging councilors to protect the minority community.
Resolution Approved Despite Opposition
Despite some opposition, the city council approved the resolution by a vote of 9-2 following the 5-hour meeting. According to local news station WCVB, the measure "reiterated the city’s commitment to transgender rights and equal protections. It also recognizes the importance of gender affirming healthcare."
