In a groundbreaking move, San Francisco has become a sanctuary city for transgender individuals seeking gender-affirming healthcare. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to pass a resolution that provides sanctuary for transgender, nonbinary, gender non-conforming, and Two-Spirit people, making it one of the first major cities in the United States to offer such protections.
Supervisor Rafael Mandelman expressed the significance of this decision, stating, “As other cities and states turn up the hate, places like San Francisco need to turn up the love.” The new law ensures that local resources are not used to assist out-of-state law enforcement in prosecuting families or healthcare providers involved in gender-affirming care.
This decision comes in response to increasing anti-transgender legislation across the United States. According to the Movement Advancement Project, 24 states have banned gender-affirming treatment, and six states—Alabama, Florida, Idaho, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Carolina—have made it a felony for practitioners to provide such care to minors. These laws specifically target transgender youth, despite the consensus among major medical associations like the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics that gender-affirming care is evidence-based and medically necessary.
California’s Pioneering Role
In 2022, California became a sanctuary state for gender-affirming care when Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 107. This law prohibits the release of information or the arrest and extradition of individuals seeking or providing gender-affirming care, even if other states issue court orders. San Francisco’s new resolution builds on this by ensuring that the city’s resources are not used to support investigations or prosecutions related to gender-affirming care.
San Francisco’s director of the Office of Transgender Initiatives, Honey Mahogany, highlighted the influx of transgender refugees seeking care and safety in the city. “We have seen an influx of refugees, not just from other countries, but from other states who are seeking care and seeking sanctuary,” Mahogany said.
San Francisco has a rich history of supporting the transgender community. The city is home to the world’s first Transgender Cultural District, which honors the 1966 Compton’s Cafeteria riot—a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history where a coalition of trans women fought against discriminatory law enforcement actions. San Francisco also became the first city in the U.S. to officially recognize Transgender History Month in 2021.
The National Landscape
While San Francisco leads in providing sanctuary and support, many other states continue to enact laws restricting transgender rights. Tennessee, for instance, passed a bill making it a felony for adults to help minors access gender-affirming healthcare. Similarly, Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis signed a measure banning transgender treatments for minors, though a federal judge recently blocked key parts of that law.
Despite these challenges, activists and allies continue to fight for transgender rights. On June 11, Florida’s ban on gender-affirming care was permanently blocked in a federal court. This victory underscores the ongoing battle between state legislatures and advocates working to ensure access to essential healthcare for transgender individuals.
With the new resolution, San Francisco reaffirms its commitment to being a safe haven for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Supervisor Mandelman stated, “With this resolution, we are reaffirming that our city has been and will continue to be a sanctuary and a beacon for our transgender and gender non-conforming siblings.”
San Francisco’s declaration sets a powerful precedent for other cities and states to follow. By prioritizing the health and safety of transgender individuals, the city sends a clear message that hate and discrimination will not be tolerated. It also provides a blueprint for other progressive jurisdictions looking to offer similar protections.
The declaration comes during Pride Month, symbolizing a renewed commitment to inclusivity and support for the transgender community. As the battle for transgender rights continues, San Francisco’s stance serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for marginalized communities.
The Bottom Line
San Francisco’s decision to become a sanctuary city for transgender individuals seeking healthcare is a significant step forward in the fight for equality and human rights. As anti-transgender legislation proliferates across the country, cities like San Francisco offer hope and refuge to those in need. This resolution not only protects the rights of transgender individuals but also reinforces the city’s long-standing tradition of championing LGBTQ+ rights.
For transgender individuals and their allies, San Francisco’s declaration is more than just a policy change—it’s a beacon of hope in an increasingly hostile landscape. By turning up the love in the face of hate, San Francisco stands as a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and solidarity.
