City Council Names Cambridge a Sanctuary City for Transgender and Nonbinary People

The Cambridge City Council unanimously passed a resolution declaring Cambridge a sanctuary city for transgender and nonbinary individuals in their Monday meeting.

Several residents came to the meeting to both endorse the resolution and share their stories of gender identity in Cambridge. Their support was met by overwhelming approval of the resolution from the councilors themselves.

Draped in an LGBTQ pride flag, Cambridge resident and former candidate for the Massachusetts House of Representatives Evan C. MacKay ’19 spoke in support of the resolution.

“I’m proud to be here speaking as a nonbinary person and grateful that we’re considering this step,” MacKay said. “It’s an incredibly important moment to be leading as an inclusive city and making sure that nobody is left behind.”

The resolution comes on the heels of President Donald J. Trump’s January executive order, which states that “it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.”

The Trump administration has also taken steps to limit gender-affirming care for transgender individuals, as well as reinstating a military ban for transgender service members.

Mayor E. Denise Simmons, who became the first Black openly lesbian mayor in the nation when she was elected Cambridge’s mayor in 2008, said that she is personally concerned about the Trump administration’s recent moves.

“I have to say, as someone who is out loud and proud, I do too worry,” she said.

In light of the changes from the federal government, Simmons emphasized the importance of Cambridge’s effort to cultivate an inclusive environment for its residents.

“Our silence, if we were to be silent, would not protect us. So we might as well stand up like we’ve always stood up,” Simmons said. “And tonight, we’re saying we’re not going to be afraid, and we’re not going to be turned back. We will enshrine that with this sanctuary city status, which explicitly extends to the transgender and nonbinary community.”

Councilor Patty M. Nolan ’80 also supported the resolution, citing the federal government’s recent actions that she said encouraged discrimination.

“There were a lot of issues, but the fear that has been engendered over the last six weeks is pretty horrifying,” Nolan said. “So I just wanted to remind us all that, that even in Cambridge, this is something that’s really important for us to educate people about.”

Cambridge’s order was inspired by a similar proposal in Worcester, passed in a 9-2 vote by their city council. The resolution, which was passed less than a month ago, similarly affirmed their status as a sanctuary city for transgender and nonbinary residents.

Vice Mayor Marc C. McGovern, who introduced the resolution to the council, celebrated the passage of the sanctuary city resolution. He also applauded the public comment that the Council received from residents who turned out to City Hall to support the resolution.

“I don’t think I could say anything more, be any more eloquent than the folks who spoke during public comment about the importance of us again reaffirming our commitment to marginalized communities, including the transgender and nonbinary community,” McGovern said.

“Here in Cambridge, we believe in dignity, respect, and protection for all,” Simmons said.

​​— Staff writer Jack B. Reardon can be reached at jack.reardon@thecrimson.com. Follow him on X @JackBReardon.

— Staff writer Shawn A. Boehmer can be reached at shawn.boehmer@thecrimson.com. Follow him on X @ShawnBoehmer.