Boston Mayor Responds to Controversy Over LGBTQ Benefits Program

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s office has pushed back against reports claiming that city funds were used to support a program offering up to $500 in health benefits to LGBTQ immigrants. This came after a local advocacy group’s announcements about the program led to some backlash.

The group, which had been promoting services like yoga and recreational activities under the title “Belonging Matters,” later dialed back its descriptions. A city spokesperson clarified that “No funds were ever distributed or directed for these purposes. This organization received a $7,500 grant through the City’s program aimed at supporting mental health services.” Importantly, these funds weren’t earmarked for the voucher programs that sparked controversy.

This situation raises questions about the true nature of the “Belonging Matters” program and the distribution of city-backed funds, spotlighting how grants awarded to external advocacy groups are managed in Boston.

Separately, OUTnewcomers is one of 45 recipients of a broader $200,000 grant aimed at strengthening services for Boston’s LGBTQ community, a figure that was approved by Wu last year as part of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement.

Boston officials noted that OUTnewcomers received a mini-grant of $7,500 from the 2026 budget but added that the city hasn’t authorized any additional grants or cash support.

Wu previously stated, “These investments demonstrate our continued dedication to uplifting LGBTQ+ Boston residents by putting resources directly into the hands of trusted community organizations,” highlighting the intent behind the funding.

As for the original purpose of the $7,500 grant, the mayor’s office chose not to respond to inquiries. The program had reportedly provided yoga and meditation sessions, gym memberships, and creative arts opportunities but later softened its offering to vouchers worth $50 or less.

This shift has created confusion regarding the program’s intent, with the organization now calling its efforts “modest and needs-based,” focusing on smaller health support vouchers for services like haircuts and acupuncture.

Critics have scrutinized the initiative online, some questioning the use of taxpayer money for what they consider excessive perks. One commenter noted the irony of financial aid being provided to specific groups while general taxpayer funds were being increased due to the city’s tight budget.

Interestingly, OUTnewcomers did not respond to inquiries regarding attendance or registration numbers for the program, which they recently suspended citing a “security threat.” The organization, founded by journalist Sal Khan, describes itself as a volunteer-run entity focused on community advocacy and support.

As of April, the organization had just launched its website, aiming to provide transparency about its operations, yet its materials do not include the necessary documentation that nonprofits typically provide to outline their governance and financial practices.