The city council of Sacramento recently voted to declare the city a transgender sanctuary, making it the first city in California to have this designation. This decision was seen as a major victory for transgender advocates, particularly in Lavender Heights, which is the heart of Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ community. Trans advocate Sabrina Naves highlighted the importance of this designation, noting that families are moving to Sacramento from other states that restrict or ban gender-affirming health care. The city council’s decision to make Sacramento a transgender sanctuary city aims to protect these families and create a welcoming environment for transgender individuals.
Prior to the council vote, there was a showdown between supporters and opponents of the transgender sanctuary city designation. Moms For Liberty organized a protest outside city hall, expressing concerns about promoting the idea that people can be “born in the wrong body” and providing gender-affirming surgeries to children. Inside the city council chambers, the policy sparked heated public testimony. The transgender sanctuary city policy will prevent staff from using resources on legal actions against individuals seeking gender-affirming care from states that restrict or ban such care.
Currently, there are 23 states in the US that have restrictions or bans on gender-affirming care. Transgender advocates like Sabrina Naves are speaking out against being used as political scapegoats and are advocating for policies that protect and support transgender individuals. The transgender sanctuary policy adopted by Sacramento was modeled after a similar policy in Ithaca, New York. Councilmember Katie Valenzuela believes that this policy is the first of its kind in California and it will go into effect immediately to provide a safe space for transgender individuals in Sacramento.
The decision to declare Sacramento a transgender sanctuary city has been met with both support and opposition. Supporters see it as a step towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for transgender individuals, while opponents, like Moms For Liberty, have expressed concerns about the promotion of gender-affirming surgeries for children. Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, the city council’s vote reflects a commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of transgender individuals in Sacramento. The transgender sanctuary city policy aims to address the challenges faced by transgender individuals in accessing gender-affirming care and provide a safe space for them to live and thrive in the city.
