Olympia residents urge city council to declare sanctuary status for trans individuals

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Olympia's city hall, community members gathered for a pivotal city council meeting on December 10, 2024. The atmosphere buzzed with urgency as residents voiced their concerns and aspirations for a more inclusive future.

Among the passionate speakers was a representative from the Olympia Dragon Boat Club, who expressed gratitude for the city’s support in the 2025 budget. The club, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering community through water sports, celebrated its growth since becoming independent in 2020. They highlighted their successful events in 2024, which brought together 24 clubs from the Northwest, and expressed hopes to double participation in the coming year.

However, the tone shifted dramatically as speakers began to address a pressing social issue: the need for Olympia to declare itself a sanctuary city for transgender individuals. Alice Rosewater, a long-time resident and advocate, urged the council to take action against the rising tide of anti-trans legislation sweeping the nation. She emphasized the urgent need for safe havens for those fleeing discrimination and violence, noting that Olympia had previously declared itself a sanctuary for migrants and reproductive rights.

Miro Stoeck echoed this sentiment, sharing his personal journey from Arkansas to Olympia, where he sought refuge from oppressive policies. He called for proactive measures to protect trans rights, highlighting the alarming statistics from a recent discrimination survey that revealed significant disparities faced by LGBTQ+ residents in Olympia.

As the evening progressed, more voices joined the chorus. Shastra, a transgender resident, passionately articulated the dire circumstances many trans individuals face, underscoring the need for Olympia to stand as a beacon of hope and resistance. Isaac Wegnitz and April Miller reinforced the call for sanctuary status, framing it as both a moral imperative and a necessary step to combat systemic discrimination.

The urgency of the matter resonated deeply with attendees, including Anthony Keene, who emphasized the importance of acting before potential federal rollbacks on trans rights. Elizabeth Walker, CEO of South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity, shifted the focus momentarily to housing, thanking the council for their efforts to address affordable housing challenges, but the overarching theme remained clear: the need for solidarity and protection for marginalized communities.

As the meeting drew to a close, the council faced a pivotal decision that could shape the future of Olympia. The voices of its residents, united in their call for justice and safety, echoed through the chambers, leaving a lasting impression on the council and the community alike. The outcome of this meeting could not only redefine Olympia's commitment to inclusivity but also send a powerful message of support to those in need of refuge in an increasingly hostile environment.