Full Breakdown
Advocates Push for Increased Funding for Transgender Wellness in New York
3/25/2026, 9:36:20 AM
Funding Request for Transgender Services
As budget negotiations progress in New York, advocates and lawmakers are urging state leaders to allocate an additional $10 million to the Lorena Borjas Trans Wellness and Equity Fund. This initiative aims to enhance access to essential services such as healthcare, legal aid, and employment support for transgender individuals. Catalina Cruz, a key proponent of the funding request, emphasized the importance of this financial support, stating, “Everything from employment, legal services, health connections, that’s the whole idea behind it.”
The push for increased funding is a direct response to federal actions that have restricted access to transgender and gender-affirming care, particularly during the administration of former President Donald Trump. Advocates argue that these federal cuts have created significant gaps in services, which state funding is now needed to fill. Cruz noted that the chilling effect of federal policy changes has impacted not only healthcare but also nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable communities.
Impact of State Funding
Healthcare providers, including Planned Parenthood, have relied on state funding to continue offering gender-affirming care after losing federal Medicaid support. Katherine Bruno, Chief External Affairs Officer at Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, highlighted the critical role of state investments in maintaining services, stating, “When we were defunded from federal Medicaid, New York State did come to the table to allow us to backfill and continue to provide that care.”
Cruz reiterated the necessity of state intervention, asserting, “We as New Yorkers, we as taxpayers, we as legislators are stepping in to say — here’s additional money so you can continue to provide life-saving services.”
Official Statements and Responses
In light of the funding request, the Governor's office stated, “The Governor will continue to negotiate in good faith with the legislature to deliver a budget that ensures a safer and more affordable New York for everyone.” Governor Kathy Hochul's FY27 Executive budget already includes approximately $2 million to restore the LGBTQ+ youth dedicated 988 crisis line, which faced federal funding cuts.
Under Hochul's leadership, New York has made strides in supporting transgender individuals, including updating Medicaid coverage to align with international standards for transgender health and establishing the LGBTQ+ Endorsement Program for domestic violence service providers.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the push for increased funding, there are dissenting views regarding the safety and necessity of gender-affirming care. Federal Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has described such treatments as unsafe, a claim that New York officials, including the state attorney general, have labeled “baseless.” A recent judicial ruling also indicated that Kennedy overstepped his authority in attempting to limit access to these services.
What's Next
With the state budget deadline approaching, advocates remain hopeful that lawmakers will approve the full $10 million request for the Lorena Borjas Trans Wellness and Equity Fund. This funding is seen as essential for ensuring that transgender New Yorkers can continue to access vital care and support services without interruption.
