Worcester, Massachusetts has become one of the first sanctuary cities for transgender people in the United States since President Trump took office in January. The city council passed a resolution in a 9-2 vote on Tuesday declaring Worcester’s commitment to refusing to cooperate with federal or out-of-state entities that could infringe on the rights of transgender and LGBTQ individuals.
The resolution, proposed by the Queer Residents of Worcester and Our Allies, aims to provide a safe haven for transgender and gender diverse people in response to Trump’s new policies. Worcester’s decision comes in the midst of Trump’s executive orders limiting gender recognition and healthcare access for transgender individuals.
The vote followed weeks of public testimony and included performances by drag queens and poetry readings. LGBTQ advocates have praised Worcester’s decision as a step towards affirming the rights and existence of transgender individuals in the face of federal opposition.
Previously, several cities including San Francisco, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, and Ithaca have declared themselves as sanctuary cities for transgender individuals, but Worcester is the first to do so since Trump’s re-election. The city had previously allocated funds towards resources for its LGBTQ community and now aims to provide a supportive environment for all individuals regardless of gender identity.
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