The city government of Sacramento, California, passed a resolution this year declaring the state money a” shelter area” for trans people.
The solution that was passed on Tuesday affirms that it will ensure that all residents of the City of Sacramento will have access to and rights to gender-affirming treatment, and that it forbids cooperating with or using town resources to inform those who are laws that state the state of California.
The City Council of Sacramento further claims that it is “reaffirming its commitment to trans rights and equal privileges for transgender community people” and that it is a sanctuary city and a place of safety for trans people.
The City Council outlined the need for such a solution in a logic statement that was included with the resolution:
California has been a chief in defending transgender people’s access to healthcare, but many other states are doing the same. It is crucial for the City of Sacramento to become proactive in reaffirming its commitment to trans rights and equal protections for trans people by declaring ourselves a sanctuary area and a place of safety for trans people in planning for potential legislation that may prosecute those providing or seeking gender-affirming care.
After an hour-long period of public input during which both residents in favor and against the resolution expressed their opinions, the council overwhelmingly voted to pass the measure.
In states all over the country, discrimination has been waged against transgender people’s rights, particularly the right to access health care options that affirm their gender identity. Although many of these attacks target transgender youth, some have limited access to gender-affirming care facilities for trans adults.
Twenty-four states have outlawed some or all of the best-practice gender-affirming care options. In response, fourteen states plus Washington, D. C. have passed gender- affirming care” shield laws” that ensure that residents can access such care.
Gender-affirming care has no denying its advantages: for both children and adults who require it, it can significantly lessen depression and suicidal ideation, according to a study that finds that it lowers transgender people’s actual suicide attempts by 40 %.
No city resources can be used to assist investigations in areas where gender-affirming care is prohibited, according to the Sacramento City Council resolution.
The City has taken a step beyond state law and sent a powerful message to everyone in our community that we are a safe place for everyone, according to Sacramento councilmember Katie Valenzuela, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, by affirming our commitment to supporting our LGBTQ+ community and making sure no city resources or staff time is used to enforce these harmful laws in other jurisdictions, according to the Sacramento council member.
The Sacramento LGBT Community Center is proud to be a part of making this region a welcoming space for everyone, according to a statement from that organization to Truthout.” This decision by the city council is a powerful message of inclusion. ” This resolution lets people know that Sacramento is a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially youth and seniors, who may feel isolated, unsafe, or unwelcome in their own communities”.
Truthout also received correspondence from other city residents regarding the council’s decision.
The queer community in Sacramento actually spearheaded the resolution. It’s crucial for trans people to fight for trans rights in the halls of power because there is a rising tide of hate in this country, according to Emily Smet, a trans woman and organizer for the Sacramento Democratic Socialists of America.
Over two dozen people stood up and delivered brave, honest, and passionate speeches about why transgender people matter and how important this is to society, according to Fox Rogers, a genderqueer Sacramento resident who was present at the hearing on Tuesday night. When the mayor and city council unanimously approved this, I was so happy and moved.
” I wish a sanctuary city resolution were not necessary, but I am also so thankful to the Sacramento DSA for bringing this resolution to our city council, and that it passed unanimously”, said Eli Conley, a trans singer- songwriter from the city. Knowing that this city has our back, from the grassroots activists to the halls of power, is a no-brainer.
