Worcester City Council has declared that the city is now a transgender safe haven. It joins an increasing number of other cities in the United States who are taking a similar position. It comes amid concerns about recent federal measures that impact transgender access and rights.
Transgender Rights in Context
Recent executive orders from the current government have raised concerns and debates within the LGBTQ+ communities and with their allies. Some of these orders impact transgender sports participation, limit federal assistance for youth transitioning genders and include statements regarding gender recognition in the federal government.
Worcester’s Resolve: A Symbolic Standing
The resolution to make Worcester a “sanctuary city” and a safe place for those who identify as transgender was introduced by Queer residents of Worcester and Our Allies. Although largely symbolically, this resolution shows the city’s support and commitment to its transgender citizens. The resolution was approved by 9-2 votes on Tuesday night. This shows the significant support of the community and council.
Thu Nguyen, a Councilor at Large who had recently returned to the city after a short leave due to her concerns over the climate of council in relation transgender matters. Nguyen supported the resolution and stressed its importance to the community.
It also comes after statements by Donald Trump, the former President of the United States regarding transgender persons. These comments have further fueled concerns for advocates of transgender equality.
Shield laws and state-level legislation
Numerous states across the nation have introduced or passed legislation concerning transgenders rights. In at least 26 different states, laws have been enacted that restrict gender affirming services for minor transgenders or are opposed to them. These actions reflect a broader trend in some Republican-controlled states towards restricting transgender rights, including participation in sports and access to public accommodations.
Many other states, on the contrary, have passed shield laws that are specifically intended to safeguard access to health care for transgender people. In order to ensure that transgender individuals can receive gender-affirming health care, sanctuary cities and state laws have been established.
There are currently transgender sanctuary cities
Worcester has joined other US cities that are transgender-friendly. Kansas City in Missouri and other cities such as West Hollywood and San Francisco are also included. The cities listed above have adopted various policies to help their transgender community.
The Voice of the Community
Thu Nguyen of Worcester City Councilor stated on Facebook “Black Trans Lives Matter. Trans immigrants belong here… Our beings are so resilient… If you are scared of being targeted as a city to lose funding because we declare ourselves a sanctuary city for trans and gender diverse people, can you imagine how scary it is to walk on the streets and be called ‘f*****’ or ‘it’ or being killed?”
Allie Cislo is the petitioner of the Worcester Resolution. Telegram & Gazette: The fact that the decision was not unanimous is sad, but it’s good that Worcester chose to affirm Massachusetts‘ existing law. They also reiterated that Worcester remains a safe haven for those who are transgender.
California Senator Scott Wiener said: We are looking into ways to improve and extend this law in order to better protect people. This is all still in progress. It is all in process.
Harper Seldin is an attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union’s LGBTQ & HIV Project. In response to an earlier executive order, the president said: “It is very clear that the order in conjunction with other orders we have seen in the last week are not meant to protect anyone in the country but to drive transgenders of all ages out of the civic realm.”
The Future
Worcester’s designation is a transgender safe city, but the immediate impact on funding from federal agencies remains unknown. The move does, however, show the city’s dedication to supporting and protecting its transgender population. Long-term effects of this decision depend on the future of policy at the federal and state levels as well as continued advocacy by LGBTQ+ organizations. This decision shows tangible support for Worcester’s transgender population, highlighting the importance of gender-affirming healthcare and safe spaces.