NYC Launches City-Run Gender-Affirming Care Clinic Amid Federal Restrictions

On Friday, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene announced plans to open a gender-affirming care clinic in the Corona neighborhood of Queens. The proposal was presented at a city council budget hearing; a launch date has not been set.

The Advocate

The clinic plan follows a federal push under the Trump administration to restrict gender-affirming care for minors and for patients on public insurance. In New York, NYU Langone Health and the Mount Sinai Hospital System have each halted gender-affirming services for minors, and the administration has issued subpoenas to hospitals, including NYU Langone, seeking private records of trans youth who received such care.

The Advocate

City Health Commissioner Alister Martin introduced the clinic plan. Councilmember Tiffany Cabán, representing Astoria, urged rapid action for trans youth. NYU Langone Health and Mount Sinai Hospital System are the private health networks that have closed their youth programs and faced federal subpoenas for patient records.

The Advocate

With private providers withdrawing services, the city-run clinic could become a primary source of gender-affirming care for New Yorkers. Commissioner Martin warned that federal “clawbacks” might limit the clinic’s ability to serve minors, potentially leaving trans youth without local options.

The Advocate

Martin said the department is committed to youth services but must avoid exposing the program to federal clawbacks that could disrupt broader care. Cabán described parents’ confusion about where to take their children and urged the health department to expedite access. The department has not confirmed minor eligibility.

The Advocate

Advocates argue that without a clear commitment to serve minors, the clinic may not meet the urgent needs of trans youth. They also warn that federal pressure could undermine the city’s ability to sustain any gender-affirming services.

The Advocate

The health department has not set a public opening date, and eligibility for minors remains undecided. Officials say they will monitor federal enforcement before finalizing services and will consider community input. Updates are expected at future council health hearings.

The Advocate

• “one of the first times that the public health department has ever taken that step,” — Alister Martin, City Health Commissioner

The Advocate

• “We are committed to this issue and want to make sure we provide the services and resources for youth,” — Alister Martin, City Health Commissioner

The Advocate

• “we don’t [want to] expose ourselves to clawbacks from the federal government, which disrupt the rest of the care that we can give.” — Alister Martin, City Health Commissioner

The Advocate

• “I’m talking to parents all the time, and they don’t know where to take their children,” — Tiffany Cabán, NYC Councilmember

The Advocate