Historic First Step. NYC becomes one of the first cities to directly operate gender-affirming care, offering free services regardless of immigration status in an underserved Queens community.
47D AGOLOCALNYC MAYOR ZOHRAN MAMDANILGBTQ+
Mamdani Opens Adult-Only Trans Clinic Amid Federal Pressure
What's the gist?
NYC will open its first city-run gender-affirming care clinic in Queens, but restrict services to adults 19 and older, citing fear of federal funding cuts under Trump administration policies.
Context
As mayor candidate, Mamdani promised $65 million for trans care and vowed to fight hospitals denying youth services. Since taking office, major NYC hospitals like NYU Langone and Mount Sinai have ended youth programs under federal pressure. However, the clinic makes New York one of the first cities to directly operate a free gender-affirming clinic to people regardless of immigration status.
Positive takes
Pragmatic Approach. Mamdani balances protecting vulnerable adults with preserving overall city health funding that could be lost to federal retaliation against youth services.
Foundation for Expansion. Health officials indicate this pilot program is just the beginning, with plans to expand services once they navigate federal legal challenges.
Negative takes
Broken Campaign Promises. Mamdani pledged $65 million and vowed to use every tool to protect trans youth, but is now using the same excuses as hospitals he criticized for abandoning kids.
Cowardly Capitulation. The administration adopts Trump's exact age cutoff of 19, effectively enforcing federal anti-trans policies at the city level instead of resisting them.
Misplaced Priorities. Critics question spending $15 million on adult services while basic city infrastructure needs remain unaddressed and youth are left without care options.
— by VoiceWhat's Voice? Read this.
News sources
- 01
Matt Tracy · amNY · June 10, 2026
- 02
Jack Walker · Them · June 8, 2026
- 03
Erin Reed · Erin In The Morning | Substack · June 11, 2026
- 04
Daniel Villarreal · LGBTQ Nation · June 9, 2026
- 05
Gothamist Staff · Gothamist · June 11, 2026
Social takes
- 01
@RepTenney · Twitter · Negative take
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