Worcester Declares Itself a Sanctuary City for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals

The Worcester City Council in Massachusetts voted in favor of a resolution to become a sanctuary city for transgender and gender-diverse individuals on Tuesday.

During a lengthy city council meeting, approximately 200 people from the LGBT+ community arrived to show their support for the resolution—often expressing concerns for their safety under the new Trump administration.

One speaker, donning a purple wig, pearl necklace, and white gloves, said she needs the city to protect her because the federal government will not, and she is "afraid of Trump." The speaker, who also claimed to have a multitude of disabilities, addressed fears that the city would become a target of the administration and lose federal funding if the measure was passed, then issued a warning.

"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," she said.

"I'm shaking right now. I don't want to be here," another speaker shouted into the microphone before being asked to wrap up.

"I'm sorry, am I taking too long pleading for my life?" the speaker fired back.

The individual, addressing those seated at the city council, also asked how many of "my friends need to die" before something is done, then yelled, "Look at me … f---ing pathetic."

Another demanded to know, "How many lives have to be lost before you consider fighting back against fascism and corruption?"

A woman with purple hair spoke about having two transgender children, emphasizing the importance of community support for LGBTQ+ youth. Another woman at the meeting asked city leaders to imagine being in a same-sex marriage, as she is, and fearing that their marital rights could be "stripped away at any moment."

"You have an incredible opportunity as a community to support our children. You have an opportunity to decrease the rates of depression and suicide by showing our children that their safety and dignity are a priority," another meeting attendee said.

The vote by the Worcester City Council underscores the growing concerns among LGBTQ+ residents and activists about potential threats to their rights and well-being under changing political climates. The resolution marks an effort by the city to affirm its commitment to protecting transgender and gender-diverse individuals, despite potential opposition at the federal level.