To the Editor:

I commend the North Adams City Council for passing the resolution declaring our city a Sanctuary City for transgender and gender-diverse people. At a time when human rights are under attack, this action reaffirms North Adams' commitment to being a place of safety, dignity, and belonging for all. Thank you to Councilors Breen, Blackmer, Fitch, Bona, Shade, and Morrow for using their platform to protect the rights of all community members.

While the overall sentiment in the room was supportive, I want to highlight a concerning moment. A local transgender teen stood up to share how their queer family had recently experienced transphobia. As he attempted to read a hateful text message his family received, Council President Sapienza interrupted him, striking his gavel and calling for respectful language. This reaction appeared to throw the teen off, and he quickly sat back down — seemingly unable to finish what he came to say. No councilor encouraged him to continue.

Sapienza had earlier asked the public to refrain from personal attacks but did not set expectations around language. While the content of the message was difficult to hear, this teen was not attacking anyone — he was shedding light on real harm happening in our community. His ability to express his fears in a public forum should not have been questioned or silenced.

I challenge Councilor Sapienza and the Council as a whole to reflect on the power dynamics at play. This teen holds no voting power but had the courage to stand at that microphone and speak his truth. It is your civic duty to listen fully —especially when it's uncomfortable — because too many young people in our community are suffering.

Finally, I want to thank Mayor Macksey, who later presented a proclamation for Trans Day of Visibility and, in an act of solidarity, personally handed it to the teen. This bold gesture from the highest-ranking city official demonstrated what true support looks like.

I urge our local leaders to ensure all voices — especially those of our most vulnerable youth — are heard and respected. It is through listening, not silencing, that we create meaningful change.

Jessica Sweeney
North Adams, Mass.