There are few people in public life who lead with the depth of conviction, compassion and action that state Rep. Marjorie Decker does. (“Despite this scary moment for rights of LGBTQ+, legislators needlessly OK’d antitrans amendment,” April 25.) I’ve been privileged to work alongside Marjorie for more than a decade, and I can say without hesitation: Marjorie is not in this work for the headlines or talking points – she is in it to make change that lasts, especially for those who are too often unseen or left behind.
I first met Marjorie 12 years ago, long before I was an elected official, when I chaired the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ+ Youth. Space for the homeless shelter Youth on Fire was in jeopardy and the program was at risk of closing. A newly elected representative, Marjorie sprung into action. She was tenacious and unrelenting, and it was her problem solving and deep ties to Cambridge that kept Youth on Fire open in a new space in Harvard Square. After I was elected as the youngest member of the Massachusetts Senate, Marjorie became my partner in leading the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, and later the Joint Committee on Public Health. I’ve worked closely with her for years, and I know firsthand: She is relentless, she is principled and she delivers for the people who need it most.
Indeed Marjorie stands up for those on the margins – for kids living in poverty, for LGBTQ+ youth, for Black and brown families, for survivors of violence – and she doesn’t back down when the work gets hard or the politics get messy. She understands that real change isn’t won by playing it safe, it’s won by showing up, fighting smart and never losing sight of whom she serves. Again and again, when it has mattered most – whether on mental health access, gun violence prevention or protections for trans health – Marjorie has been at the front of equity and change, driving us forward.
In the Legislature, I’m fortunate to have many colleagues who are staunch allies of us 10 openly LGBTQ+ lawmakers and our broader LGBTQ+ community. Yet among many friends, Marjorie’s allyship stands out. Just this week, she joined state Rep. Sam Montaño to secure a successful amendment to the House fiscal year 2026 budget to establish a $1 million trust fund to ensure access to transgender health care. Thanks to Majorie and Sam, trans people will be able to receive gender affirming health care in Massachusetts no matter what happens in Washington!
We need more leaders such as Marjorie Decker. I’m proud to stand with her time and again to advance justice and equal rights. Our commonwealth is stronger because of her work.
State Sen. Julian Cyr
Julian Cyr represents Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket in the Massachusetts Senate. He serves as assistant majority whip and Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Housing. Cyr says he is proudly queer.
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