Council holds work session on protecting transgender and nonbinary residents, considers HRC scorecard and data protections

Council member Weselek led a work session focused on how Takoma Park might better protect and support transgender and nonbinary residents. Weselek summarized resident feedback collected at community events and proposed four priority areas: support for gender-affirming health care; policies to prevent sharing of sensitive gender-identity data; expanded city resources and staffing (including HR-policy review and a dedicated liaison); and visible public support such as flags and proclamations. "We could support gender-affirming health care and also ensure no sharing of data," Weselek said, describing the themes gathered from a public poster exercise.

Council discussed next steps including drafting a resolution or ordinance, reviewing the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) municipal equality scorecard to identify gaps, hosting a legal clinic to help residents update documents, and pursuing data-protection measures that could mirror sanctuary-style noncooperation policies. Several members urged immediate attention to data privacy. Council member Hansack emphasized urgency for data protections and noncooperation with enforcement actions that could harm residents; Weselek said she is working with the city attorney on a draft resolution and will continue development over the August recess with a plan to return with more detailed options.