Welcoming city resolution

Opposed the resolution, saying Monterey already welcomes everyone and raising flags for every group goes too far.

A queer woman of color and VA veteran supported the resolution, sharing her own experience of a hate act that drove her from her career.

Supported the flag raising, saying visible allyship saves lives as trans deaths go underreported.

The MPUSD superintendent supported the resolution, saying the symbolism shows LGBTQ youth they belong and are embraced.

A transgender Monterey native asked for the strongest protections possible, citing local slurs, 800 anti-trans bills nationwide, and double mortality rates.

A trans resident urged a yes vote, citing death threats and national anti-trans policy, saying the vote shows who will stand with the community.

Briefly supported the resolution, invoking the dangers of targeting one group after another.

An expecting father praised the council, saying the resolution shows Monterey is heading the right direction for his kids and military families.

Supported the resolution but critiqued it as weaker than Marina's and Seaside's sanctuary measures — 'just words on paper' — and urged real material support.

A transgender woman described being slandered and friends targeted with slurs, and thanked the council for affirming that people like her are welcome.

Spoke in full support, calling the resolution a baby step toward fully protecting all community members.

Said the designation would help families like hers who fled states like Florida to find a safe home.

A 24-year-old trans resident described a self-imposed curfew out of fear, cited recent anti-trans violence, and urged proactive local action.

Cited 840 tracked anti-trans bills in 2026 and said she's tired of the demonization of the trans community.

A grandmother of a trans child said she can't protect her grandchild enough and urged the city to act.

Spoke in full support, saying showing up is the first step to protecting everyone's rights.

A father of two daughters working in Monterey seven days a week urged the council to make Monterey welcoming and protect transgender people.

Welcomed the turnout and urged District 2 candidate Vicky Norton to answer for her record on LGBTQ issues.

Argued Monterey prioritizes pride events while ignoring tribal recognition and microwave radiation harms.

Supported agendizing, noting similar resolutions passed in Marina, Seaside, and the county.

Urged support for trans friends and neighbors, invoking history's lessons about abandoning marginalized communities.

A Black activist organizer and worker said uplifting the trans community doesn't diminish other communities and urged solidarity.

A North Monterey resident voiced casual support, saying days of recognition are the least the city can do.