The City of New York's Committees on Finance and Hospitals convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget, with a significant focus on funding for gender-affirming care. Advocates urged the city council to maintain and expand the current $15 million investment in these essential services, highlighting their critical role in supporting the mental health and well-being of transgender individuals.

During the hearing, speakers shared personal testimonies underscoring the life-saving impact of gender-affirming care. One advocate recounted their experience with severe mental health challenges due to gender dysphoria, crediting the affordable care provided by organizations like Callen Lorde for their recovery. They emphasized that over 50,000 transgender individuals in New York City could share similar stories, stressing the necessity of continued access to these services amid a national rise in anti-trans legislation.

In addition to maintaining current funding, advocates called for an increase in the New York City Trans Equity Fund to $10 million and the establishment of shelters for transgender youth. They argued that these initiatives are vital for ensuring the safety and support of vulnerable populations, particularly as many may seek refuge in New York City from oppressive environments elsewhere.

The discussions highlighted the urgent need for the city to act decisively in protecting and advancing the rights of transgender individuals, reinforcing New York City's legacy as a leader in the fight for queer liberation. The committee's response to these requests will be closely watched as the budget process unfolds, with advocates hopeful for a commitment to safeguarding and expanding vital health services.