Eric Adams establishes a $2 million emergency fund for transgender services following federal budget reductions.

Adams Allocates $2 Million for Transgender Care Amid Federal Cuts

Mayor Eric Adams announced the allocation of $2 million for transgender and “gender nonconforming” care on Tuesday, describing it as an emergency measure by nonprofits to compensate for significant cuts in federal funding.

This new funding falls short of the $47 million cut by the Trump administration in October, which affected education subsidies related to the city’s transgender-inclusive school policy. This cut was part of a larger dispute regarding restroom and locker room access for transgender students in public schools.

Adams stated, “Our administration will always ensure that members of the LGBTQ+ community are protected and receive the care they need and deserve,” as he revealed the funding initiative.

The outgoing mayor has committed to safeguarding access to transgender care despite losing federal support. This announcement also comes in light of his earlier concerns about the city’s school restroom policy, where he expressed reservations about boys using the same facilities as girls.

“We will continue to invest money based on our values to strengthen services for people in need of care,” Adams reiterated on Tuesday.

The funding, which will be managed by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, is set to provide grants of up to $92,000 each to about 20 community-based nonprofit organizations, according to city officials.

The selected organizations will use these funds in 2026 for various programs, including staffing, supplies, and services that provide gender-affirming medical care, legal advocacy, housing assistance, and additional support services for clients, the majority of whom are transgender, gender nonconforming, or nonbinary individuals in New York.

First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro characterized this initiative as a necessary response to federal budget cuts, stating, “We saw a need in response to federal budget cuts, and we are responding to it. Essential services for this community are at risk, so it was imperative for us to take action and meet that need.”