As part of the Pride Month celebration on Tuesday evening, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani touted the work his administration has done to expand services for LGBTQ+ communities, calling New York City a "haven" for people with alternative gender identities.In particular, Mamdani doubled down on promises of $15 million in funding for trans communities."The threats will continue and so will our relentless protection of trans people across this city," Mamdani said, referring to challenges he said LGBTQ+ communities face."As a first step, my administration has made a $15 million investment in gender affirming care over the next two years, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to make sure every trans and gender non-conforming New Yorker can live with the dignity, safety and freedom they deserve."MAMDAMI MARKS PRIDE MONTH, SAYS HONORING 'QUEER AND TRANSGENDER' CONTRIBUTIONS WOULD TAKE MORE THAN 30 DAYSMayor Zohran Mamdani speaks during a May Day rally at Washington Square Park in New York City on May 1, 2026.On Monday, Mamdani called for ICE to be abolished following the arrest of an illegal immigrant.
(Yuki Iwamura/AP)Mamdani’s speech builds on similar efforts in other cities and looks to follow through on campaign promises Mamdani made on the road to his mayoral victory.It’s unclear where, exactly, the $15 million request is being allocated from or how it will be disbursed as New York City Council members continue consideration of the 2027 budget.Progressive-led subsidized transgender initiatives have also advanced in San Francisco.Like New York, San Francisco established an Office of Transgender Initiatives and, through its Department of Public Health, has funded guidance for hormone therapy, surgery and mental health case management.MASSACHUSETTS TOWN VOTES TO BECOME A TRANSGENDER 'SANCTUARY CITY' AFTER WILD CITY COUNCIL MEETINGMayor Zohran Mamdani delivers his 100 Days Address outlining progress on his core campaign promises in Queens, New York Ci...