On Saturday, Nov. 1, the Quad Cities Democratic Socialists of America (QCDSA) officially kicked off their Trans Sanctuary Davenport campaign, aiming to make Davenport a “sanctuary city” for people seeking gender-affirming and reproductive healthcare. The initiative’s goal is to challenge state and federal restrictions that threaten bodily autonomy and access to care for transgender and reproductive rights.
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is a socialist organization in the United States, with a chapter in the Quad Cities area. According to their website, the political group is focused on political education, mutual aid and social justice activism.
Ricky Newcomb, co-chair of the QCDSA, said that the campaign focuses on making Davenport a safe city for those seeking gender-affirming care and reproductive healthcare. He called Davenport a “gateway city,” because it is where people frequently pass through for work, school and health services.
“The idea [of the Trans Sanctuary Davenport campaign] is to make Davenport safe for people seeking gender-affirming care and reproductive healthcare,” Newcomb said. “We want people to be safe whether they’re passing through here, they live here, or they work here.”
The campaign kickoff was held from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Raygun, a clothing store in downtown Davenport. The event featured face painting, bracelet making, beaded crafts and various organizations showcasing their community support with health services, such as The Project of the Quad Cities (TPQC).
TPQC is a non-profit organization that serves people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), LGBTQ+ residents and other underserved communities in the Quad Cities. Community Relations and Development Coordinator Viminda Shafer said there are many ways people can make a difference in the community, such as volunteering.
“Volunteering is a great way to help the community,” Shafer said. “In terms of trying to make movement with legislative pieces, it’s multifaceted. We have volunteer opportunities at The Project that are not political but are helping to sustain our community, and that in itself is political.”
Shafer said she encourages people to take part in movements, such as QCDSA’s campaign, in whichever way they choose. She said that people can also engage in the political process by writing letters, making phone calls, attending protests or counterprotests and having difficult but necessary conversations about social issues.
As Davenport’s Trans Sanctuary campaign emerges, Newcomb said the next step is continued outreach, especially to people who want to help build a community where LGBTQ+ residents feel safe and supported.
“We try to go out and talk with our neighbors and build that community. And that’s really what our group is about,” Newcomb said.
