Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The City Council declared this week in a 12-1 decision that Boston will be a sanctuary city for the LGBTQ+ community.
Councilor Julia Mejia said that this measure was necessary for combating hateful rhetoric from the new presidential administration.
Mycah, a transgender woman living in Chinatown, talked about the issues that can crop up in a workplace without protections.
“People really not caring a lot,” Mycah said. “And management (in the workplace) that doesn’t have your back and won’t defend you when people are attacking you.”
She felt very positively about the decision from the city council.
“Diversity only improves a place,” she said.
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Adrian, a non-binary individual, said how they were worried for those outside of Boston.
They feel the city is welcoming for LGBTQ+ folks, but they did say that potential federal statutes are worrying.
“It’s just a really scary time right now,” Adrian said.
Sebastian was happy to hear about the legislation being passed, as it’s something concrete from the people in power saying, “It has actual power, actual effect.”
Sebastian also mentioned how it’s important to stay vigilant in trying times like these and to not rest on your laurels.
“It’s not just looking at legislation that’s already been created, it’s looking at the future and being proactive about protecting the LGBT community,” Sebastian said.
Boston was the second city to become an LGBTQ+ sanctuary city, with Worcester being the first to make this official this past February.
WBZ NewsRadio's Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports.