The Worcester City Council voted to declare the city a sanctuary for the transgender community with a 9-2 vote, reaffirming its commitment to protecting transgender rights and ensuring city resources are not used to detain individuals seeking gender-affirming care. The resolution was introduced in response to concerns over transgender rights following a federal executive order recognizing only “male and female” sexes. Councilor-at-Large Thu Nguyen, the city’s first nonbinary council member, cited personal experiences of harassment and misgendering by other city officials.
Mayor Joseph Petty expressed his support for the resolution, emphasizing the importance of upholding transgender rights in the face of federal efforts to erase them. However, Councilors Donna Colorio and Morris Bergman expressed concerns that the city could risk losing federal funding under a second Trump administration due to their support for the resolution.
Despite dissenting voices, Worcester’s resolution to become a sanctuary city for transgender individuals is part of a growing movement nationwide. Cities like Sacramento, Calif., and Ithaca, N.Y., have also taken similar steps to protect their transgender residents. While such resolutions may be largely symbolic, they send a strong message about a city’s values and can influence local policies and practices regarding transgender rights. The decision by Worcester reflects a broader trend towards protecting and supporting the LGBTQ+ community in the face of ongoing challenges at the federal level.
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