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Worcester has declared itself a sanctuary city for transgender and gender-diverse individuals, approving a resolution that reinforces protections for the community. The measure, passed by the City Council on Tuesday, ensures that city resources will not be used to detain people seeking
gender-affirming care
or to assist out-of-state agencies in gathering information on such individuals.
The decision follows growing concerns over recent executive orders issued by President Donald Trump, which redefine sex as strictly male or female and seek to end gender-affirming medical treatments for minors. The Worcester City Council's move is seen as a direct response to these policies, which have been widely criticised by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
The resolution explicitly states that Worcester will not cooperate with federal or out-of-state efforts that aim to restrict gender-affirming healthcare. It also acknowledges the broader challenges faced by the transgender community, including disproportionate rates of homelessness, unemployment, and violence, particularly against Black transgender women.
Councilor alleges transphobia
Councilor-at-Large Thu Nguyen, the first non-binary member of the council, played a key role in advocating for the measure. The discussion around
transgender rights
intensified after Nguyen reported being harassed and misgendered by fellow city officials last month. Their experience highlighted the urgent need for stronger local protections.
The resolution cites data from organisations such as the Human Rights Campaign and the Williams Institute, highlighting the heightened risks faced by transgender individuals. According to reports, transgender people experience homelessness and unemployment at significantly higher rates than the general population. Additionally, transgender youth are more likely to experience mental health struggles, with a 2021 survey indicating that LGBTQ+ students in Worcester were four times more likely to consider suicide than their heterosexual peers.
Worcester’s decision aligns with Massachusetts’ existing legal protections for gender-affirming care. State laws explicitly prohibit insurance exclusions for such treatments and ban conversion therapy for minors. Furthermore, Massachusetts has enacted legislation preventing the extradition of individuals receiving gender-affirming care from out-of-state jurisdictions where such treatments may be criminalised.
Keep men out of women's sports: Trump
Trump's executive orders have fueled national debates over transgender rights. Shortly after returning to office, he signed directives aiming to enforce "biological truth" in federal policy, restricting legal recognition of transgender identities. Another order, titled "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports," grants the federal government broad authority to penalise institutions that allow transgender athletes to compete in women's categories.
The administration’s crackdown on transgender rights extends beyond sports, affecting federal policies across multiple agencies. Schools, universities, and other federally funded institutions now face potential funding cuts if they do not comply with Trump’s strict interpretation of sex under Title IX. This policy shift reverses protections implemented under the Biden administration, which sought to recognise gender identity within Title IX regulations.
