Boston Mayor’s Office Addresses Controversy Over LGBTQ Program Funding

The office of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has refuted claims that city funds were allocated to a program offering up to $500 in “wellness” perks for LGBTQ immigrants. This denial came after local advocacy groups initially promoted the benefits, only to later revise their statements following some backlash.

The initiative, titled “Belonging Matters,” was intended to provide activities like yoga and art, among other recreational services.

A spokesperson from the city emphasized, “No funds were ever distributed or directed for these purposes. The organization received a $7,500 grant aimed at supporting mental health services. These funds were not designated for the voucher programs in question.” This clarification was provided to the media.

The situation has shed light on conflicting narratives regarding what the “Belonging Matters” program actually offered and whether city-funded resources were connected to these benefits.

OUTnewcomers is identified as one of the 45 recipients of a substantial $200,000 grant aimed at bolstering Boston’s LGBTQ community.

This grant, approved by Wu last year, was part of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement (MOLA).

City officials state that OUTnewcomers received a portion of this funding, specifically a $7,500 mini-grant from the upcoming budget for 2026.

However, the city has not authorized any grants or cash assistance yet.

Wu had previously indicated that these investments reflect a commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ residents by channeling resources to trusted organizations within the community.

The mayor’s office did not elaborate on the intentions behind the originally approved $7,500 grant.

The registration process also mentioned activities like yoga, breathing techniques, gym memberships, creative arts, storytelling, and beauty services. Participants were promised between $250 and $500 in assessed “health benefits.”

Nonetheless, the organization later modified its description, stating the program would involve vouchers of $50 or less, leading to some confusion between the program’s initial presentation and its later version.

In a recent press release, OUTnewcomers described their program as modest and designed to assist qualified LGBTQ+ immigrants in Boston, providing small-value vouchers for limited health services like haircuts or acupuncture.

This initiative faced criticism on social media, with some detractors labeling it a misuse of taxpayer money. One individual expressed frustration, noting that while these benefits were being dispensed, Boston taxpayers were asked to shoulder higher costs due to a tight budget.

OUTnewcomers did not reply to inquiries about how many participants were anticipated or how many had already signed up for the program.

Additionally, the group announced a temporary pause in the program due to a reported “security threat.”

Founded by Sal Khan, a queer journalist originally from Pakistan, OUTnewcomers positions itself as a grassroots organization focused on community advocacy and resource navigation.

They recently unveiled their website in April, though it does not provide a 990 form, which is typically required for nonprofits to disclose their organizational structure and financial details.