My Turn: Support a trans sanctuary resolution for Greenfield

I hope the City Council passes their draft ordinance protecting gender-affirming care for transgender people and a related trans sanctuary resolution as quickly as possible. Why? Because the situation for trans folks in parts of the country is dire. Texas is creating a registry of transgender individuals. We fear that camps are next. They’ve already banned gender-affirming care for youth and made it illegal for parents to raise trans kids. It’s very scary, and trans parents are looking for safe places to move. Other states are following suit with similar forms of persecution.

Some say that a trans sanctuary resolution is just “political posturing” and isn’t relevant to Greenfield. I beg to differ. Greenfield is a wonderful place for trans families. There are many of us here in Greenfield. Our trans kids go to public schools and have an affirming positive experience. They’re there to learn, and that’s what they’re doing, along with making friends and having a warm rapport with their teachers. Baystate Franklin Medical Centeris friendly and welcoming to trans patients. The first time I was in the hospital after coming out as trans, years ago, so many physicians and technicians stopped by to wish me well with my transition. It was incredible.

Employers in Greenfield are open and accepting. One of my favorite memories is shopping at our local Salvation Army and being checked out by a handsome trans person with a trans pride button proudly displayed on their lapel. A resolution sends a signal to desperate trans families that there is a safe and welcoming city where they can move and create a new life. That’s all this resolution does. It’s not a law; it doesn’t promise free housing or funds. It says we’re welcoming and safe.

That’s all. The ordinance the City Council plans to pass is powerful. It protects adult and youth access to gender-affirming care. This is key to healthy trans life. If we cannot manage our gender dysphoria through medicine, many of us choose suicide. A study has shown that in trans youth, access to gender-affirming care reduces suicidal ideation by 73%. Parents of trans kids are aware of this fact and want to raise their families where care is accessible, and schools are safe. Greenfield fits that bill.

Please support a trans sanctuary resolution and ordinance for Greenfield. Many of our neighbors have already passed similar resolutions and ordinances. This really matters. It’s not about politics. It’s about keeping trans families safe and whole.

Trystan Greist lives in Greenfield.