Zohran Mamdani, a socialist candidate for mayor in New York City, has proposed a plan to allocate $65 million for sex exchange medications and surgeries for both minors and adults if he wins the election.
Mamdani’s campaign platform emphasizes the urgency of gender-affirming care, promising to ensure accessibility for New Yorkers who may be facing obstacles from private providers, particularly amidst perceived attacks on such care. The plan includes investment in a public provider dedicated to these services.
Critics argue that the term “gender-maintaining care” is used by some activists to obscure the controversial aspects of gender-affirming surgeries and treatments. Procedures being referenced include double mastectomies, genital surgeries, hormonal treatments, and puberty blockers, which can have severe, long-lasting effects.
“The Mamdani administration plans to allocate $65 million specifically to increase access to Gender Affirming Care (GAC) in New York City. This funding will target public hospitals, community clinics, federally qualified health centers, and nonprofit organizations that provide such care,” the campaign statement explains. “This initiative is crucial, especially with the Trump administration’s withdrawal of federal support for these services, which threatens both youth and adult access to GAC.”
Mamdani also expressed intentions to invest millions in “gender-affirming” telehealth services and other initiatives that would scrutinize healthcare facilities denying essential services to transgender youth. The plan includes holding hearings and ensuring accountability for those institutions.
Furthermore, Mamdani has declared that New York City will serve as a “sanctuary city” for the LGBTQ+ community and will establish the “NYC office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs.”
Related: Supreme Court Upholds Tennessee Law Prohibiting Sexual Changes in Minors
“The Mamdani administration is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of queer and trans individuals in New York City, welcoming everyone from long-time residents to newcomers seeking safe medical care and the opportunity to thrive free from discrimination,” the campaign states.
In the New York City Democratic primary held on Tuesday, State Senator Mamdani emerged victorious, overcoming former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The current mayor, Eric Adams, who was initially elected as a Democrat, is now campaigning as an independent.
