Arcata city leaders presented a proclamation Aug. 6 declaring the city a sanctuary for 2‑spirit, transgender, gender‑nonconforming and intersex (2S/TGI) people.
The proclamation, read by Council Member Meredith Matthews, affirms that Arcata will "recognize gender‑affirming health care as a matter of health, privacy and equality" and states that "no city resources, including staff time or property, shall be used to detain, investigate, or penalize anyone seeking, providing, or supporting gender‑affirming care," "to the fullest extent permitted by the law." The text also directs the city to investigate threats or hate crimes targeting 2S/TGI people.
Local advocates who accepted the proclamation described its practical and symbolic importance. "This proclamation is meaningful for so many reasons," said Cerberus, a youth advocate with Queer Humboldt. "It is so rare as a trans person to feel like someone truly has my back ... When your local government stands up and declares that it will do its utmost best to ensure our safety, our right to life, love and happiness, that carries weight for the trans and gender diverse community." Alexis, another youth advocate, said the declaration "signifies resistance against the oppressive movement" targeting gender‑diverse people nationally and that it shows "our local government can make the necessary efforts to take action and accountability."
The proclamation’s text cites national context on legislation targeting LGBTQ+ people and references research and human‑rights reporting about the effects of restrictions on gender‑affirming care, and it states the city will not provide information to out‑of‑state entities about lawful care performed in California.
City staff did not record a roll‑call vote or other formal council action on the proclamation in the meeting transcript; the item was read and accepted in the ceremonial portion of the meeting. Advocates urged the council to follow the proclamation with concrete policies and services. Supporters who spoke at the dais and during public comment asked the council to ensure the city’s policies and practices — including interactions with law enforcement and service delivery — align with the protections the proclamation promises.
The proclamation joins other ceremonial and policy statements made by Arcata leaders in recent years; proponents said it could serve as a model for additional local measures to protect and expand access to care and safety for 2S/TGI residents.