Candidate Proposes $65 Million for Transgender Treatments in NYC

A mayoral hopeful plans to allocate $65 million of taxpayer funds to provide gender-affirming care, including for minors, if elected. The Queens assemblyman, currently engaged in a tight primary race, states on his campaign website that the funds would support public healthcare providers—around $57 million for hospitals and clinics, and $8 million for additional services.

The proposal aims to ensure that gender-affirming treatments remain accessible despite recent political and medical challenges. Mamdani argues that private hospitals have halted such care for minors due to federal threats linked to a Trump-era executive order, which has been temporarily blocked by courts.

He emphasizes the importance of legal protections, stating that all institutions should follow human rights laws and the state constitution, including the creation of an Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs at City Hall. Mamdani also plans to investigate hospitals that deny trans youth healthcare, working alongside attorneys general and district attorneys.

Mamdani supports maintaining gender-affirming care at city hospitals, citing legal rights and protections. Currently, some hospitals like NYU Langone and New York-Presbyterian have paused or limited such treatments for minors amid federal threats, although hospitals claim to continue navigating the legal landscape.

The candidate’s initiative also includes broader, costly city programs such as free buses, child care, and city-run food stores, funded by increased taxes on corporations and the wealthy. However, these plans face significant political hurdles, as state lawmakers and the governor have expressed opposition to tax hikes, citing concerns about population decline to other states.

Overall, Mamdani’s platform reflects a push for expanded healthcare access for LGBTQ+ residents and increased city spending on social programs, all contingent upon legislative approval.