As an organization whose membership includes trans and queer New Yorkers and allies, Jews For Racial & Economic Justice has proudly signed onto the NYC Trans Equity Coalition. As right-wing groups build power around the country by attacking trans people — especially access to gender-affirming care and trans kids’ right to exist — New York City must respond with bold, affirming investments. Click here to contact your council member!
We join the Coalition in calling on the Council to include the following three priorities to address queer and trans communities' urgent needs in the final FY26 budget.
1. $10 Million – Increase the Trans Equity Fund and Invest in Trans-Led Organizations and Infrastructure
Despite playing an essential role in the health and safety of our communities, trans-led organizations continue to be systematically underfunded. Of the current $3.2 million in the Trans Equity Initiative Fund, 62% goes to cisgender-led organizations. This is unacceptable. We urge the Council to increase the Fund to $10 million, prioritize trans-led organizations, and contract with a trusted technical assistance provider to support trans-led groups in navigating complex application and reimbursement systems. This investment will ensure that resources actually reach the leaders and organizations most trusted by our communities. Trans leaders and trans-led organizations are closest to the problem and so are closest to solutions.
2. $15 million – Protect Gender-Affirming Healthcare
Transgender, gender non-conforming, and nonbinary (TGNCNB) New Yorkers continue to face profound systemic barriers to accessing competent, affirming healthcare. These challenges are now compounded by federal threats to eliminate Medicare and Medicaid funding for gender-affirming services. Community health providers like Callen-Lorde, Apicha, and Housing Works are already experiencing funding disruptions. The City must step up to fill the gap. We urge the Council to invest $15 million to safeguard and expand access to gender-affirming care for trans and queer communities, ensuring no New Yorker is denied care because of their gender identity.
3. $10 Million – Fund Safe, Affirming Youth Housing
At least 40% of NYC’s unhoused LGBTQ+ youth identify as trans or nonbinary, yet there remains a critical shortage of shelter options that are truly affirming and responsive to their needs. We urge a $10 million investment in trusted LGBTQ+-affirming housing providers who offer not just a bed, but wraparound services including mental health support, access to affirming medical care, legal services, case management, crisis intervention, education and employment support, and connections to permanent housing. These providers create safe, identity-affirming spaces where young people can heal, grow, and build futures free from violence and discrimination. This investment is a moral imperative and a vital step toward housing justice.
Fill out the form below to tell your Council Member to support the demands of the NYC Trans Equity Coalition!