Worcester, Massachusetts has become one of the first cities in the United States to declare itself a sanctuary for transgender people since Donald Trump won the presidential race and returned to office, New York Post reports.
In a 9-2 vote on Tuesday night, with over 200 people present, the Massachusetts city council passed a resolution declaring the state’s second-largest city a haven for trans and gender-diverse people.
The resolution is not legally binding but ensures the city won’t use its resources to detain anyone for seeking or providing gender-affirming care. It also bars local authorities from helping out-of-state groups trying to interfere with such healthcare.
The city had previously allocated $500,000 towards resources for its LGBTQ community.
Response to Trump’s policies
The move comes in direct response to Trump’s sweeping federal policies on gender, including an executive order that restricts the use of federal funds for child sex-change treatments and another banning biological males from competing in women’s sports.
Trump’s Republican and conservative base has always condemned the “radical left” on gender policies. During his inauguration speech, he declared that the federal government would recognise only two genders—male and female—and vowed to “defeat the toxic poison of gender ideology.”
“The trans, nonbinary, and LGBTQIA+ community in Worcester and nationally are being attacked by President Trump,” the resolution said.
Before Trump’s re-election, cities like San Francisco, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, and Ithaca had already declared themselves trans sanctuaries. Worcester, home to over 207,000 people, is believed to be the first to do so in response to his new policies.
‘Defending existence’
The vote followed weeks of public discussion, culminating in a city council session featuring poetry readings and drag performances. Many residents spoke about the need for the resolution.
“It’s absolutely exhausting to continue to have to defend your existence. Say the words, say the words that we’d be safe here,” said one speaker, as reported by Boston 25 News.
“When the president of the United States, in his inauguration speech, says that you do not exist, it should matter at our local level,” said Joshua Croke, co-founder of a Worcester LGBTQ non-profit for children.
While the resolution carries no legal force, its passage signals Worcester’s strong stance against federal policies that activists say endanger the rights and safety of transgender and gender-diverse people.
Councilor-At-Large Khrystian King backed his colleague and the petition, stating to NBC Boston News, “We are a haven. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying, harassment, violence, threats.”
I am a passionate digital marketer, content writer, and blogger. With years of experience in crafting compelling content and driving digital strategies. I’m always exploring new trends, optimizing strategies, and creating content that resonates with audiences. When I’m not working, you’ll find me diving into the latest digital marketing insights or experimenting with new blogging ideas.