NYC allocates $15M to expand gender-affirming care

New York City will allocate $15 million over the next two fiscal years to expand access to gender-affirming healthcare, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Friday, June 26. The funding package is presented as a direct response to federal efforts to restrict such care, particularly for minors.

The initiative will establish a direct care access fund to subsidize healthcare providers, launch a dedicated call and text hotline to connect residents with services, and fund research into LGBTQ healthcare access and outcomes. The city also plans a pilot program at a clinic in Queens to offer hormone therapy to adults at low or no cost, regardless of immigration status. Officials said the investment is intended to ensure transgender residents can continue receiving care amid increasing federal scrutiny.

In a statement, Mayor Mamdani said the city would defend transgender patients and medical professionals as the federal government pursues investigations into providers. He has directed the city's Law Department to prepare for potential legal challenges against any federal attempts to restrict access. Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su criticized federal policies, calling attacks on...