NEW Pride Agenda, Lawmakers, Advocates Rally to Demand Increase in Funding for Trans Wellness & Equity Fund
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2025
Contact: Sydney Pereira, sydneyp@anatgerstein.com, 917-751-1278
Max Schulman, max@anatgerstein.com, 347-861-4167
NEW Pride Agenda, Lawmakers, Advocates Rally to Demand Increase in Funding for Trans Wellness & Equity Fund
— Advocates demanded $8m annual investment for health and human services for trans and gender nonconforming New Yorkers —
— Click here for photos and video —
(ALBANY, NY - March 26, 2025) — As budget negotiations are underway, NEW Pride Agenda, lawmakers, and LGBTQIA+ advocates rallied on Tuesday, March 25 at the State Capitol to demand an increase in funding for the Lorena Borjas Transgender Wellness & Equity Fund (TWEF) as well as other investments in services for transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) New Yorkers.
TWEF is the second state-level fund in the country dedicated to trans health and wellness. Since 2022, TWEF has supported more than two dozen trans-led and trans-serving organizations providing critical services for the TGNC community, including health and human services, housing support, workforce development, and more. A total of $12 million has been invested since its inception.
As Governor Kathy Hochul and the state legislature negotiate and finalize the FY 2025-26 budget, advocates demanded that TWEF be expanded to $8 million annually, up from the current annual investment of $4 million.
State lawmakers rallied alongside the NEW Pride Agenda, including State Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Gustavo Rivera, Jabari Brisport, Kristen Gonzalez, and Julia Salazar, in addition to Assemblymembers Catalina Cruz, Harry Bronson, Chris Burdick, Harvey Epstein, Jessica González-Rojas, Anna R. Kelles, Steven Otis, Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone.
Advocates from Amida Care, Callen-Lorde, Gender Equality New York, In Our Own Voices, Caribbean Equality Project, the Ali Forney Center, Volunteer Lawyers Project of Center NY, New York Transgender Advocacy Group, Hendrick Martin Institute, Make The Road NY, and Trans Latinx Network were also present.
Expansion of TWEF is critical to counter federal hostility due to a torrent of discriminatory executive orders from the Trump administration, address growing safety concerns for Black and brown trans individuals, and ensure that all trans New Yorkers can access the resources they need. In addition to an expansion of TWEF, advocates demanded the state create a gender-affirming care contingency fund of at least $50 million and increase funding for HIV+ assistance, mental health services, youth development, and housing access. Healthcare providers Amida Care and Callen-Lorde shared testimony about how vital the contingency fund for gender-affirming care would be for TGNC New Yorkers.
“As discriminatory, anti-trans policies rain down on us from the Trump administration, transgender and gender nonconforming New Yorkers are counting on state leaders to stand up and fight back to protect us from violence and hate,” said Kei Williams, Interim Executive Director, NEW Pride Agenda. “We are demanding that Governor Kathy Hochul and state leaders take decisive action by expanding the Trans Wellness and Equity Fund. The anti-trans hostility from the federal government is exacerbating our safety concerns and threatening our right to exist. An increase in funding for TWEF is urgent and necessary to support and protect the TGNC community across the state.”
State lawmakers across the state joined the NEW Pride Agenda in the call to expand TWEF.
“LGBTQ+ Americans are actively under attack by the Trump administration. It is our responsibility to counter these attacks by using our resources here in New York to uplift and support all LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. That is why I am leading an effort to include $6 million in the State Budget for the Lorena Borjas Transgender Wellness and Equity Fund (TWEF). Despite the fact that transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming individuals face unique challenges, particularly when it comes to encountering prejudice, harassment, family rejection, and discrimination, trans-led or serving organizations are routinely severely underfunded. We in the State Government must show our support for the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community and do our part by providing dedicated funds to address the specific health and financial concerns that trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming New Yorkers face,” said Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal.
"LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers—especially transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals—deserve a state that protects their rights and invests in their well-being. As other states turn their backs, New York must lead by funding lifesaving services like the Transgender Wellness Fund, HIV assistance programs, affirming health care, and mental health support. I’m proud to stand with advocates today and remain committed to fighting for the resources our communities deserve,” said Senator Nathalia Fernandez.
"I stand in solidarity with our transgender and gender nonconforming community—whose power, truth, and resilience cannot be erased. At a time when silence in too many corners of this nation grows louder than justice, we rise together to demand action—investment, not indifference. The health, safety, and dignity of TGNC New Yorkers are not negotiable. This means expanding support for gender-affirming care, housing, mental health services, HIV+ assistance, and youth development—because these are not just policy choices—they are moral imperatives, and ultimately, it’s about honoring lives. This budget season, let’s act with intention. Let’s invest with pride. Every TGNC New Yorker deserves to be seen, supported, and safe,” said Senator Robert Jackson.
"Transgender New Yorkers are under attack from harmful federal policies that threaten their access to lifesaving healthcare. As we near the end of budget negotiations, we must take a stand. I call on my colleagues and the Executive to prioritize the health and dignity of this vulnerable community by securing the $50 million contingency fund to cover the federal share of Medicaid costs for gender-affirming care and expanding funding for the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Equity Fund. New York has long promised to stand with the LGBTQ+ community—now is the time to prove it with action, not just words,” said Senator Gustavo Rivera.
"As the Trump administration continues to launch bigoted attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, it is incumbent upon those of us in positions of power to push back and fight for freedom and equality. For state legislators, that means ensuring transgender New Yorkers have the support they need to live their lives and feel safe in their communities regardless of who is in the White House. As we continue budget negotiations, I am committed to putting policies and funding in place to holistically support the LGBTQ+ community and stand up against attacks from the federal government,” said Senator Sean Ryan.
"Just as the federal government's attacks on trans and gender nonconforming communities are utterly disgraceful, our defense requires that we use all tools at our disposal. That's why we must expand the Loren Borjas Transgender Wellness and Equity Fund, create a gender affirming care contingency fund, and increase funding in HIV+ assistance, mental health services, youth development, and housing access. We must protect all New Yorkers from the Trump administration's bigoted assault on our rights, and that's precisely what our coalition is doing,” said Senator Julia Salazar.
“In New York we pride ourselves on being inclusive, with laws that are not predicated on hate, fear or exclusion. That’s why I am fighting for funding in this year’s budget that protects the rights of my TGNC siblings to live safely as their authentic selves. No matter who you are, where you come from, what your abilities, who you love, or how you identify—we all have dignity and deserve equity, justice and opportunity,” said Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson.
"As attacks on the transgender and gender nonconforming community continue to rise across the country, it is more important than ever that New York stands as a beacon of support and protection. Investing in the well-being of TGNC New Yorkers through expanded funding for healthcare, housing, mental health services, and youth development is not just the right thing to do—it is a moral imperative. I stand with the advocates and organizations calling for these critical investments. I urge Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the legislature to ensure that our budget reflects a commitment to equity, dignity, and justice for all,” said Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz.
"Our trans and gender non-conforming community members are under attack. I cannot explain why this federal administration and its goons have nothing better to do than attack LGBTQ people—especially young people—but when they come for our community, they come for us. It isn't enough to say we support them and stand with them, although we must do that also. We need to put our money where our mouth is to ensure we are protecting people who are most vulnerable and ensuring they can receive the life-saving care and support they depend on,” said Assemblymember Emily Gallagher.
"Our transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) siblings are under attack, and the Republicans’ harmful actions continue to threaten an entire community, attempting to erase their rights and invalidate their needs. We cannot and will not stand for this. New York is a state that stands for core human rights, including access to healthcare and housing, but many of our trans siblings face higher rates of healthcare disparities, struggle to access insurance, and encounter significant barriers to mental health support. This gap must be closed. It is imperative that we protect the fundamental human rights of New Yorkers, which includes expanding funding for life-saving gender-affirming care, HIV+ support, mental health services, youth development, and housing for our trans youth. I am calling on my colleagues in the legislature to increase the funding for the Lorena Borjas Transgender Wellness & Equity Fund to ensure that all trans New Yorkers have access to the resources they need to thrive," said Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas.
"The continued attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community are disgusting and will not be tolerated in New York. It is crucial that we expand the Transgender Wellness and Equity Fund, especially in light of federal cuts. New York must continue to be a protector of basic civil, human rights and a home to all," said Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi.
"For months, the Trump administration has been hellbent on eliminating any and all protections for transgender and gender non-conforming Americans, but we are not powerless. New York State has an opportunity to lead. From expanding the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Wellness and Equity Fund to increasing funding for HIV+ assistance, mental health supports and housing in this budget and passing my legislation to protect access to gender-affirming care, now is the time for New York State to fight back. Together with the New Pride Agenda, I will continue to stand up for the LGBTQIA+ community. Hate will not win,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal.
“I am outraged to see our transgender neighbors and fellow citizens under existential threat across the nation. I am outraged at the rise, since November, in hate crime violence, at the 700% call volume increase to suicide hotlines, at the reversal of the most fundamental workplace protections. Furthermore, this community, who had fought so hard to be included in official narratives, are watching their faces and voices erased all over again from the pages of our national origin story. I stand shoulder to shoulder with the NEW Pride Agenda and other advocates to say: In the great state of New York, we will hold the line. This means expanding the Lorena Borjas Transgender Wellness & Equity Fund, increasing funding for housing access, HIV+ assistance, gender affirming care and other supports. As Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera did that early June morning at Stonewall, as Lorena Borjas did for decades in Queens, we will hold the line,” said Assemblymember Rebecca A. Seawright.
"The most fundamental human rights of our LGBTQIA+ community were swept under the rug for far too long, and are now facing renewed threats at the national level. We in New York State must work together to ensure that our residents are free to be who they are without fear of discrimination or harm. I strongly support increased funding for the Loren Borjas Transgender Wellness & Equity Fund and other health and human service programs that serve our LGBTQIA+ residents,” said Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky.
"Transgender and gender nonconforming people across our country are being targeted and attacked by the federal administration. New York must show the nation that we support and value TGNC New Yorkers and that they are safe in our great state. Budget decisions are a reflection of our values, so let’s make a real investment in the health, safety, and futures of the TGNC community. Thank you to the advocates for fighting for a just and inclusive New York,” said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon.
“Our trans and gender non-conforming siblings are under attack, and we must do all we can to protect them here in New York. I am proud to represent one of the Queerest districts in the nation, and proud to fight for a state contingency fund for gender affirming care. When you come for one of us, you come for all of us. We will fight back with every bone in our body, and we will win!” said Assemblymember Tony Simone.
Advocates joined the NEW Pride Agenda in the call to expand TWEF.
“Trans equity is a non-negotiable demand, and lawmakers must prioritize expanding the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Non-Binary Wellness and Equity Fund to $8 million to address systemic challenges faced by trans people, including housing discrimination and denial of gender-affirming care. This funding allows Caribbean Equality Project to respond to growing needs for mental health and immigration services due to mass deportations and revoked legal statuses for LGBTQ+ migrants from countries such as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Trans rights are deeply intertwined with immigrant rights, particularly for queer and trans immigrants facing fear, isolation, and political violence due to policies from the Trump administration, which include confronting potential forced relocation to counties they once fled for safety and survival,” said Mohamed Q. Amin, Executive Director, Caribbean Equality Project.
“The Lorena Borjas Transgender Wellness and Equity Fund (TWEF) has been necessary for TGNC-led organizations like ours, and expanding this fund means expanding hope, access, and safety. We stand in full support of increasing the TWEF to $8 million, creating a $50 million contingency fund for gender-affirming care, and ensuring consistent support for HIV+ assistance, workforce development, youth mental health, and housing. Our communities are not just in crisis—we are in motion, and we need the state to meet us with the funding and respect we deserve,” said Javannah J. Davis, Founder/President, WAVE Women Inc.
“The Transgender Wellness and Equity Fund (TWEF) provides vital support to my organization, Gender Equality New York, which allows us to support transgender and gender non-binary Long Islanders and their families. However, our current work is severely limited by the funding we receive. It is imperative that New York State expand TWEF to $8 million so that we can continue to provide trainings and workshops on transgender identity to key institutions and government agencies,” said Juli Grey-Owens, Executive Director, Gender Equality New York, Inc.
"At GLYS Western New York, we see the urgent need for LGBTQ+ youth support. In just one year, our Pathways program, focused on suicide prevention, funded by TWEF, has become a vital resource. Doubling the Lorena Borjas TWEF to $8 million would expand lifesaving services for TGNC youth. A $50 million Contingency Fund for Gender-Affirming Care is also crucial, ensuring young people can access essential medical care without political barriers and limit the influence of out-of-state bad faith actors. Young voices are being silenced, and barriers to advocacy are growing. We urge leaders to act now—our youth cannot wait,” said Jack Kavanaugh, Executive Director, Gay and Lesbian Youth Services (GLYS) of Western NY.
"These are dangerous times—medically necessary healthcare for trans and non-binary people is under threat and our providers are at risk. We need urgent action by Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate President Pro Tempore Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie to meet the moment and continue New York State's proud legacy of protecting the LGBTQ community,” said Patrick McGovern, CEO of Callen-Lorde Community Health Center.
“It is our duty as service providers to care for all. Every day at our drop in center we see the dire consequences of denying a young person's existence, personhood and their right to healthcare. New York has always been the beacon of safety for LGBTQ+ youth and now the need is increasing exponentially. Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs in NY have always been extremely underfunded but we show up regardless. We need our elected leaders to stand with us and provide the necessary funding to meet the growing need of Trans youth seeking shelter and stable housing. It is New York's duty to ensure Trans kids have bright and healthy futures,” said Nadia Swanson (they/them) Director of Advocacy, The Ali Forney Center.
"In a land where the original traditions and culture recognized the value of its TGNC (Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming) members, it is devastating to see the measures being taken to erase our importance. This is why it is imperative for our leaders to consider a $50 million contingency fund for gender-affirming care. This fund would help cover any gaps left by federal funding for providers, ensuring they can continue to offer essential care. Additionally, we need to increase the Lorena Borjas Fund! With a budget of over $250 billion, we are not asking for much to support such a vulnerable community. As New Yorkers, we should remember that we are only as strong as the most marginalized among us,” said Sage Rivera, Chief Strategy Officer, Destination Tomorrow.
“Our community urgently needs access to resources that ensure gender-affirming care, equitable and supportive housing, and services for people living with HIV—resources that are essential for our survival as Trans and gender diverse communities in New York State. We are living in a time when trans communities are under attack by the federal government, facing threats to cut funding that allows us to live more authentic lives. New York State must stand in contrast to these harmful policies and strengthen protections for our communities. As a community, we demand that the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Non-Binary Wellness and Equity Fund be increased to $8 million to meet the urgent needs of our time and provide the support we deserve,” said Maxima Rodas, Active Leader with the Trans Immigrant Project, Make the Road New York.
About the NEW Pride Agenda
The mission of the NEW Pride Agenda (NPA) is to advance the economic, health, racial, and gender identity justice needs of marginalized LGBTQIA+ individuals in New York State. NPA believes that LGBTQIA+ rights are civil rights and impact the most critical aspects of everyday life from housing to employment. Working with a diverse network of communities and elected officials, NPA serves to educate members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, as well as the general public, about our legal protections and rights.
The organization’s accomplishments include advocacy that resulted in the NYS Executive Branch mandating over 340,000 state employees to receive Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) cultural competency training—a first in the nation; ensuring the repeal of the “Walking While Trans” ban was included in 2021 Executive Budget; state funding for LGBTQ health and human services; securing insurance coverage for PrEP access, and more.
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