Joshua Croke on Worcester’s LGBTQ+ Protests: ‘A Fight for Transparency and Inclusion’

Joshua Croke is among those individuals who have been organizing the recent protests before Worcester City Council meetings in support of the transgender and gender-diverse community. The Worcester City Council recently voted 9-2 to pass a sanctuary city resolution, reaffirming the city’s commitment to trans and gender-diverse rights. Croke tells Talk of the Commonwealth that one of the things that fueled the sustained protests was a lack of clarity around process. That when Councilor Thu Nguyen came forward with accusations of Transphobia that any HR department would have had an immediate investigation. Croke said that people coming forward from marginalized communities can be difficult in a Cis gendered, white, led space because they are used to not being heard or their allegations not being taken seriously. That they are seen as just whining. Croke said part of the issue is that the entire City Council didn’t immediately come together and say we will protect you and do an investigation. The conversation does turn to politics as well and activating people to come to the polls.

Photo- Radio Worcester