NEWYORK: New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a $2 million emergency fund to support organizations serving transgender, gender nonconforming, or nonbinary (TGNCNB) New Yorkers.
The funding, which is the first of its kind in the nation, will be administered by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and is intended to support community-based organizations that offer an array of inclusive, responsive, and affirming services to TGNCNB New Yorkers that meet urgent community needs, including services related to health and wellness, legal advocacy, youth and family support, safety and crisis response, community building, and economic empowerment.
Up to $92,000 will be made available to approximately 20 experienced organizations that are positioned to continue delivering these services in 2026.
The funds may be used for program purposes — including personnel, travel, supplies, and services — and the majority of clients served with these funds should be TGNCNB individuals.
“Our administration will always ensure that members of the LGBTQ+ community are protected and have access to the care they need and deserve,” said Mayor Adams.
“With this announcement of $2 million in emergency relief to providers who serve transgender, gender nonconforming and gender nonbinary New Yorkers, we are putting our money where our values are and stepping up to serve those who need our care.”
“We saw a need after federal budget cuts, and we are responding to it,” said First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro.
“There are essential services at stake for this community. Therefore, it was an imperative for us to take action and fill that need.”
“Actions by the federal government to reduce access to critical, evidence-based health care for transgender and gender-nonconforming people is unconscionable,” said DOHMH Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse.
“Supporting New York’s community organizations that provide lifesaving services and are eligible for the emergency funds is a key part of the Health Department’s commitment to supporting the health and well-being of all New Yorkers.”
Globally and locally, TGNCNB individuals experience significant barriers to accessing affirming health care and social services, including structural inequities and stigma enacted through personal, institutional, and societal practices.
These barriers may be amplified for individuals who are Black, Latino, adolescents, have disabilities, or have other identities that result in social marginalization.
Many community-based organizations that offer affirming services to transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary New Yorkers are under significant strain as they grapple with growing demand, funding uncertainty, shifting policies, and threats to the rights and safety of their staff and clients.
Supporting and sustaining the impactful work of TGNCNB-serving organizations is critical to ensuring that TGNCNB individuals can continue to access affirming spaces, safety, and life-sustaining care.
The goals of this program are to promote the health, safety, and well-being of transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary New Yorkers through maintaining and expanding access to health care, housing, legal, safety, and economic services, as well as to opportunities to foster and sustain community and social support; to protect the capacity and sustainability of organizations serving TGNCNB New Yorkers, including those led and staffed by TGNCNB individuals; and to maintain the availability of services tailored to the needs of TGNCNB individuals across all five boroughs.
