New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced a $2 million emergency fund to support organizations serving transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary (TGNCNB) New Yorkers. Administered by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), the funding is intended to help community-based organizations provide essential, affirming services that address urgent needs including health and wellness, legal advocacy, youth and family support, safety, crisis response, community building, and economic empowerment. Approximately 20 experienced organizations will be eligible to receive up to $92,000 each for program costs, with the majority of clients served being TGNCNB individuals. Applications are open through January 5, 2026.
Mayor Adams emphasized that the funding reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring LGBTQ+ communities have access to the care and services they need. First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro highlighted that the fund responds to gaps created by federal budget cuts, while DOHMH Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse stressed that the program supports life-saving services for the community amidst ongoing barriers to affirming care.
TGNCNB individuals often face systemic barriers to health care and social services, which are intensified for those who are Black, Latino, adolescents, have disabilities, or belong to other marginalized groups. Community organizations that provide affirming services are under pressure due to rising demand, funding uncertainty, policy shifts, and threats to staff and client safety. Supporting these organizations ensures that TGNCNB New Yorkers can access safe, affirming spaces and essential care.
The emergency fund aims to maintain and expand access to comprehensive services, promote community support, and strengthen the sustainability of organizations serving TGNCNB individuals. This includes organizations led and staffed by TGNCNB people, ensuring services are tailored to their needs across all five boroughs. The DOHMH maintains the NYC Health Map, an online directory of LGBTQ+ knowledgeable providers offering primary care, sexual health care, and gender-affirming services.
Mayor Adams’ administration has a history of advancing protections and services for LGBTQ+ residents. Recent initiatives include investments in The Pride Health Center to expand gender-affirming care, a transgender safe haven executive order preventing city cooperation in out-of-state prosecutions related to gender-affirming care, a mechanism to review homicide cases involving LGBTQIA+ victims, and securing LGBTQ+ equality designations for long-term care facilities and municipal health care centers.
New Yorkers facing discrimination or needing mental health support can access services through the New York City Commission on Human Rights or by contacting 988, which provides trained counselors in over 200 languages via phone, text, or chat. These ongoing measures complement the emergency fund in ensuring safety, equity, and access for TGNCNB individuals throughout the city.
