The Boston City Council on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing Oct. 26 as Intersex Awareness Day and a separate resolution expressing support for continued access to gender‑affirming care in the city.

Councilor Ricardo P. (as recorded: Santana) said recognizing the day was important to visibility and public health: “Visibility fights stigma and saves lives,” he said, urging the council to affirm that intersex Bostonians “are seen, valued, and never alone.” The council adopted Docket 1855 by suspension of the rules.

Councilor Ruthy Mejia introduced a resolution backing access to gender‑affirming care and framed the action in the context of federal pressure on clinicians. Mejia told the chamber that the federal government’s recent directives had led Fenway Health to announce it would stop providing gender‑affirming care to patients under 19 rather than risk losing $36 million in federal funding. “This announcement sent shockwaves through the LGBTQIA2S+ community and left patients and families concerned about where they can continue to access this care,” Mejia said. The council adopted Docket 1857 by suspension of the rules.

Councilor Durkin, who added her name to the gender‑affirming care resolution, said institutions like Fenway Health have long filled a gap in care and that the council should stand with providers and patients. The resolutions do not impose new city obligations but serve as a public statement of support and a call to work with nonprofits, legal services and the administration to protect access.

Council supporters said the city will continue to coordinate with community organizations and consider additional steps to support providers and families affected by federal actions.