I am proud to serve all of my neighbors in Ward 1 on the Providence City Council. As a neighbor, friend, and ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, I want to be absolutely clear that I will not accept any hateful language or behavior in any setting, and especially not in City Hall. As elected officials, our job is to represent, respect and empower all of our constituents. I stand firm in this commitment and I expect the same from my colleagues on the City Council.

Justice Gaines, a constituent whom I represent, has contributed greatly to our community by working as an advocate for transgender people. Justice deserves respect and acceptance as much as any other person; and this is something that should go without saying. I am deeply hurt and saddened that Justice has had to endure such hateful, repulsive and offensive remarks.

Recently, I introduced and was the lead sponsor on a resolution in observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance (November, 20), honoring the transgender people who have been lost to violence and bigotry around the world. The discrimination that so many transgender and non-binary people still face today is extremely unacceptable and disheartening. But it is moments like this, when we are forced to face bigotry head-on, that we have a duty to stand up for what is right and make clear that this behavior has absolutely no place in our community.

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are neighbors, leaders, business owners, professionals, children, friends, and family members in our City. They are a part of the mosaic that makes Providence an inclusive, opportunity-filled place to live. Justice Gaines is living proof of this fact. I stand by my LGBTQIA+ constituents and will continue to advocate for their best interests not only in my role as a City Councilor, but in my role as a neighbor.

John Goncalves
Councilman-Ward 1
Providence City Council

See International Transgender Day of Remembrance Resolution here: https://bit.ly/3nwaWVB