In this moment, we are witnessing an onslaught of hate and coordinated political action against the trans community across the United States. We are seeing this in the form of laws being passed to deny gender affirming care to trans people, widespread hateful rhetoric, and even hate-based murders of trans people. In 2024 alone, a total of 625 anti-trans bills have been introduced at legislatures in 43 states. This includes Pennsylvania, where 8 bills have been introduced attacking trans peoples' rights to healthcare, education, and child custody.

In this context, it is important for us to loudly and publicly declare that trans people are welcomed, respected, and supported. Anti-trans bigots attempt to frame trans people as a demonized "Other" to be feared and controlled, and we must aggressively counter this narrative using whatever tools we have at our disposal. A resolution declaring State College a Trans Sanctuary City is one small step we can take towards this goal. We believe it is important to demonstrate decisively and concretely that the majority position in State College on trans rights is one of love, solidarity, and acceptance.

We recognize that more needs to be done beyond this resolution if we are truly to reach a point where every trans person can live their life with safety, security, and dignity, but a public declaration of support from a powerful local authority like the State College Borough is an important step in that direction.

The full text can be read at the following link: Trans Sanctuary City Resolution full text