New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a $15 million investment in sex change initiatives for children and adults, positioning the funding as a response to federal government actions. The initiative includes the establishment of a 'direct care access fund' to subsidize providers offering sex change procedures and the launch of a dedicated call and text line for support. Additionally, a pilot program will be initiated at a Queens clinic to provide 'gender-affirming hormone therapy' to adults at low or no cost, regardless of immigration status.
Mamdani criticized the federal government for attempting to intimidate patients and providers, stating that the city will defend these procedures. The city's law department has been directed to prepare for potential litigation against federal restrictions on sex changes. City officials, including Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su, have echoed Mamdani's concerns, describing federal actions as harmful to transgender individuals.
The announcement follows legal challenges regarding federal subpoenas for the medical records of transgender patients, which a federal judge has blocked. Some city officials argue that the $15 million investment is insufficient, with calls to increase the budget to $60 million, citing an expected $2 billion increase in tax revenue for the New York City Council over the next fiscal years.