In a significant show of support for the LGBTQ+ community, the Worcester City Council voted 9-2 on Tuesday to declare Worcester, MA, a sanctuary city for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. This resolution reinforces the city’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of its transgender residents, standing in stark contrast to recent federal policies that threaten those rights.
Councilors-at-Large Morris Bergman and Donna Colorio were the only dissenting votes, citing concerns about potential repercussions on federal funding. Despite their objections, the resolution passed with overwhelming support, signaling Worcester’s resolve to stand by its transgender community.
“Allies like Worcester remind us that not every corner of the country is hostile,” said Ronan Palmer, a local health care provider who is transgender. “This vote shows that some communities are willing to take risks to protect the vulnerable.”
A Line in the Sand
The petition to declare Worcester a sanctuary city was first introduced by resident and activist Allie Cislo. During her remarks to the council, Cislo described the resolution as a way to draw “a line in the sand” against anti-transgender legislation at the federal level. The push gained momentum after President Donald Trump signed executive orders limiting the rights of transgender individuals, including a mandate requiring federal agencies to recognize only two genders—male and female.
“I am incredibly grateful that the city of Worcester saw fit to affirm existing Massachusetts law and declare that Worcester is a sanctuary city for trans and gender-diverse people,” Cislo said. “I do regret that it took as long as it did to reach this conclusion.”
Before the council meeting, a Queer Ball was held outside city hall to rally support for the petition. For more than two hours, members of Worcester’s LGBTQ+ community shared personal stories and called on the city council to do more to protect their rights.
“We’ve Got Your Back”
Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty expressed his full support for the resolution, brushing aside concerns about potential financial consequences. “We’re passing a resolution,” Petty said. “It’s just saying, hey, we got your back.”
City Council Vice Chair Khrystian King echoed the mayor’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the council’s stance in the face of growing national hostility toward the transgender community. “What does it matter what the council says? It matters a whole lot,” King said. “We know the trickle-down impact of what’s happening at the national level. We’re going to have many opportunities in the next four years to stand up and do what’s right.”
The vote was a particularly poignant moment for City Councilor-at-Large Thu Nguyen, the city’s first nonbinary elected official. Nguyen, who recently took a hiatus from the council due to what they described as a toxic environment fueled by transphobia, returned to vote in favor of the resolution.
Opposition Voices and the Risk of Federal Reprisal
Councilor Donna Colorio delayed the initial vote by holding the petition under privilege, requesting a legal review of whether the resolution could jeopardize federal funding. In response, City Solicitor Alexandra Kalkounis stated that while there might be implications, it is impossible to predict what executive orders could be issued or how courts might rule.
“This is money that goes into school programs, housing, and other essential services,” Bergman said, defending his decision to vote no. “We just don’t know what the impact will be.”
Many residents who spoke during the public comment period criticized this position, questioning whether the risk of losing federal funding should outweigh the need to protect the city’s most vulnerable residents.
“Is money worth more than lives?” asked one resident. “When our community is under attack, we need leaders who will stand up for us.”
A Broader Movement for Change
This vote marks the fourth consecutive week that the Worcester City Council has addressed matters related to the LGBTQ+ community. Just last week, the council approved a petition asking the city manager to allocate $500,000 annually to address the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Activists like Joshua Croke, founder of the nonprofit Love Your Labels, stressed that the sanctuary city designation is just the beginning. “What’s next is that we are going to continue organizing,” Croke said. “Whether that’s within city hall or in the streets, we’ll activate voters to remove folks who don’t represent our interests.”
The resolution aligns with similar efforts in nearby cities like Northampton, where a sanctuary city designation was approved last October. Advocates believe that these local actions are vital in creating a network of safe havens for transgender individuals at a time when federal policies are increasingly hostile.
“We are a haven,” said Councilor King. “We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying, harassment, violence, or threats.”
The Bottom Line
For Worcester’s transgender and gender-diverse residents, the resolution serves as a beacon of hope during a difficult time. The message from city leaders was clear: Worcester will not stand by while the rights of its residents are threatened.
“This vote is a lifeline,” said Cislo. “It tells us that we belong here and that we’re worth fighting for.”
In a political climate where transgender rights are under constant attack, Worcester’s vote is a powerful reminder that there are still allies willing to stand up and say, “Not now, not tomorrow, not ever.”
For transgender individuals and their families, this resolution is more than just a political statement—it’s a promise of safety, dignity, and respect.
