Statement: NEW Pride Agenda Celebrates New York City’s Historic Investment In Trans Health and Wellbeing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2025
Contact:
Max Schulman, max@anatgerstein.com, 347-861-4167
NEW Pride Agenda Celebrates New York City’s Historic Investment In Trans Health and Wellbeing
FY2026 City budget includes $13.725 million in new funds for gender-affirming care, LGBTQ youth housing, and employment programming
(NEW YORK, NY - June 30, 2025) — The NEW Pride Agenda, New York State’s leading LGBTQIA+ advocacy organization, celebrated New York City’s historic investment of $13.725 million in new funding for trans health and wellness. Specifically, the FY2026 budget makes the following commitments:
$3.5 million in new funding for gender-affirming care for trans and gender nonconforming youth
$5 million in new funding for LGBTQIA+ youth housing
Nearly $6.5 million in funding for the Trans Equity Initiative, which resources trans-led and trans-serving organizations who provide healthcare, housing, and employment programming
The funding follows a concerted effort from trans advocacy organizations, service providers, and the Council’s LGBTQIA+ Caucus to fortify New York City as a safe haven for the trans community in response to federal attacks.
NEW Pride Agenda’s Executive Director, Kei Williams, lauded the investment:
“We are absolutely thrilled that New York City is making a nation-leading investment in trans health and wellness. In doing so, on the final day of Pride Month, we are establishing ourselves as a true beacon for the trans and gender nonconforming community, a place where trans advocates and LGBTQIA+ perspectives are truly heard. We are especially thankful to Speaker Adams for getting this done, and to the City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Caucus, led by Councilmembers Erik Bottcher and Tiffany Cabán, who spearheaded the push to secure this funding and for working in collaboration with grassroots transgender and queer community leaders.
“New resources for gender-affirming care will help ensure that TGNC youth can receive the healthcare they need to affirm their identities. Fresh funding for LGBTQIA+ youth housing will help mitigate severe disparities in homelessness and access to stable housing. And the increased investment in the Trans Equity Initiative will support the trans-led and trans-serving organizations that directly provide healthcare, housing, and jobs programs for the TGNC community.
“These investments are a lifeline for a TGNC community that is reeling from an unending barrage of federal attacks. And they are necessary not just to protect New Yorkers, but to support trans refugees fleeing hostile states and looking to New York for support. We hope this groundbreaking investment will inspire other cities and states to take bold action.”
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