Pride and Policy
{ Nicholas Lazzaro }
PRIDE IS SO MUCH MORE than just a month that we celebrate our individuality, perseverance and self expression. Pride in 2026 is an act of protest and a shared commitment to our community that is under threat. As of late, the Trump administration has rolled back protections for women, LGBTQ people and minority groups through his leverage in the courts and in our federal legislature. As a local leader I have taken it upon myself to make clear where I stand and how I can support fellow community members. It’s paramount that we ask our local leaders to take stands if our federal government is derelict in their duties.
So you might be asking, “what can my local and state leaders even do?”; well let me tell you. This year Gov. Maura Healey signed the updated Shield Act 2.0. This law strengthened protections for people seeking or providing gender-affirming care in Massachusetts. The law also limits cooperation with out-of-state investigations into LGBTQ individuals. Additionally it sought to protect providers and patients from legal actions originating in states that restrict gender affirming care. Additionally, the state legislature is mulling a proposal, S.2725, that establishes a Commission on the Status of Transgender People. The commission would essentially study and advise on issues specifically affecting transgender residents. It would seek to identify barriers to housing, healthcare, employment, education, and public services, and make recommendations to state government on improvements. Supporters of the bill argue that it creates a formal mechanism to ensure transgender residents have a voice in state policymaking. If you support this initiative I highly suggest calling your state representative’s office.
Additionally, in this legislative session there is a bill that has been filed by Senator Julian Cyr, S.1505. This legislation would address health inequities experienced by LGBTQ residents by improving data collection, research, and policy development around LGBTQ health outcomes. The legislation would require Massachusetts health and human services agencies to collect voluntary and confidential information about a person’s: Sexual orientation, Gender identity. The bill also directs state agencies to develop standards and training for collecting the information while protecting privacy. It remains under legislative consideration. This is an important public health data bill that would have Massachusetts collect voluntary, confidential information on sexual orientation and gender identity so the state can better measure and address health disparities affecting LGBTQ residents. Without data it will be impossible to close healthcare gaps and address social determinants of health.
On the local level there is plenty to also do. The City of Worcester, voted in February 2025 to declare Worcester a sanctuary city for transgender and gender-diverse people. This signaled that city resources would not be used to assist efforts targeting individuals for seeking gender-affirming care specifically in the city. Worcester is home to UMass Medical School, one of the state’s top medical and research institutions in the country, which made this proclamation even more important to ensuring that LGBTQ people had access to lifesaving medical care.
In the town of Natick, the Select Board unanimously adopted a proclamation declaring June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The proclamation affirmed “the inherent dignity and worth” of LGBTQ residents and stated that LGBTQ people should be safe, valued, empowered, and supported within the community. What made this proclamation more than the “business as usual” is that it sought to also address the importance of protecting transgender individuals, the attacks from the Trump administration and the importance of protecting all LGBTQ people.
Here’s what you can do in your community. Number one: attend a local selectboard or city council meeting and voice your concerns or excitement for pride and why it’s important. Ask them to adopt a proclamation or to acknowledge the month. Additionally you can host your own pride in your community! Pull permits to celebrate in your community and to show your neighbors that you’re with them. On the state level; call and meet with your legislators about policies that are currently on the floor. Ask them their stance and propose your own amendments pre-written, that also support the cause. On the federal level protest and attend national events, join causes and meet with your legislative directors or congressional delegation to discuss policies that support pro-LGBTQ legislation.
In summary, although pride is important in its own rights for self expression, togetherness and celebration it’s not without advocacy on the local, state and federal level can we advance protections for our most vulnerable. Without consistent advocacy, advancement is impossible and erosion is inevitable.