Across the U.S., a growing number of cities are declaring themselves sanctuaries for transgender people, stepping in where states and the federal government fall short. Since 2022, 25 states have banned most gender-affirming care for trans youth, six making it a felony for doctors to provide it. Only 14 states and D.C. have shield laws, leaving local governments to fill the gaps. Sanctuary resolutions block officials from sharing information about a person’s gender or health care and prevent city resources from aiding out-of-state prosecutions.
Sacramento became the first state capital to do so in 2024. According to Eric Guerra, mayor pro tem of Sacramento, “It goes down to the fundamental belief that people are people, and we should respect people for who they are.” Olympia, Washington, followed the course after residents said they were feeling very fearful and unsafe. Even in red states like Missouri, local leaders persist.
