What They Are Saying: New Yorkers Support Mayor Adams' Executive Order Protecting Access to Gender-Affirming Health Care in New York City

June 12, 2023

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed Executive Order 32 to protect access to gender-affirming health care in New York City.  

See below for what they are saying:

“I am incredibly proud that New York continues to be a leader and stand as a beacon for the rest of the country when it comes to protecting our trans friends and neighbors,” said U.S. Representative Dan Goldman. “As Republicans across the nation are taking direct aim at LGBTQ+ health, it is imperative that we do everything in our power to support our community and especially trans youth who are enduring horrific attacks. Despite misinformation frequently circulated, gender-affirming care is critical and non-invasive health care for those who seek to live their own life as they see fit. I applaud the mayor for continuing to make New York City a welcoming place for all.”

“Right-wing lawmakers across the country are waging a war against the LGTBQ community, and their number one target is trans kids,” said New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “Almost 31 percent of trans youth now live in states that have banned gender-affirming care, which has been shown to reduce the risk of depression, psychological distress, and suicide by 73 percent. I am so proud that the New York State legislature just passed our Trans Safe Haven legislation, which protects families and doctors from legal consequences for seeking or providing gender-affirming care to trans youth (S2475B). I applaud Mayor Adams for signing Executive Order 32 to further protect access to this health care in New York City. With these dual governmental protections, New York City reaffirms its role as a beacon for the LGBTQ community.”

“In a time when discrimination and hatred cast a dark shadow over our nation, New York City stands as a beacon of hope and acceptance,” said New York State Senator Robert Jackson. “While other states attempt to strip away the rights of our LGBTQ+ neighbors, we rise above, unwavering in our commitment to justice. I commend the mayor for issuing this executive order — a powerful proclamation that love conquers hate and that every person deserves the respect of gender-affirming care and freedom from persecution. To those who feel marginalized or threatened, New York City stands as your sanctuary, a steadfast haven where acceptance and support await you.”

“Across the country, oppressive right-wing state legislatures are actively undermining and threatening the rights and livelihoods of transgender, gender nonconforming, non-binary, and intersex (TGNCNBI) and LGBTQIA+ people,” said New York City Councilmember Crystal Hudson, co-chair, Council’s LGBTQIA+ Caucus. “These legislative efforts to further marginalize our transgender neighbors in particular have resulted in increased instances of physical violence against the LGBTQIA+ community broadly and seriously imperiled the constitutional rights of all Americans. With this executive order, Mayor Adams has strengthened our city, refusing to allow homophobic and transphobic bigotry to creep into our communities and standing New Yorkers firmly against hate. Now, the Council must move expeditiously to codify our unequivocal support of gender-affirming care for all who seek it by passing Int. 1074.”

“This executive order affirms the city's commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all New York's residents, particularly transgender and non-binary individuals who have often been marginalized and discriminated against in our health care system,” said New York City Councilmember Erik Bottcher. “In a time when our community is under the fiercest attack it has seen in decades, this action “bolsters New York City continued leadership on LGBTQ+ issues and sets a standard that should be followed by other municipalities across the country.”

“With all the attacks on transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) communities around the nation, New York City remains a beacon of hope and support through this gender-affirming health care executive order,” said Daniel Dromm, openly gay former New York City Council Finance Chair. “This executive order affirms that New York City welcomes and protects TNGC people and sees their health care as vital to their wellbeing. I applaud Mayor Adams for his stalwart support for our community.” 

“Mayor Adams’ new executive order to protect access to gender-affirming care in New York City is a critical step in the right direction and sets an important example for policy leaders around the country,” said Sean Ebony Coleman, founder and executive director, Destination Tomorrow. “Gender-affirming care is essential, life-saving health care. With ongoing attacks around the country on the livelihoods of trans and gender non-conforming/non-binary people, we must protect and invest in the trans community now more than ever.”

“During Pride Month, we commemorate the stand that Black and Brown transgender women took against violence from police at Stonewall,” said Andy Marra, executive director, Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF). “Over fifty years later, across this country, we are in a state of unprecedented attack from hateful extremist politicians, and so many of our families don’t feel safe at home and cannot access the transgender health care they need. We commend the mayor for taking this step to make New York City a more welcoming place for transgender people and recommitting to the right for transgender New Yorkers to live healthy, safe lives.”

“The NEW Pride Agenda celebrates the City of New York becoming a safe haven for gender-affirming care,” said Elisa Crespo, executive director, The NEW Pride Agenda. “As the home of Stonewall, it only makes sense that our city become a sanctuary for the influx of transgender youth and families who will continue to flock here for safety, care, and resources. In fact, it is our responsibility to do so. We look forward to our entire state becoming a safe haven soon.”

“New York City continues to stand with the transgender community by recognizing gender-affirming care is an essential part of health care for the trans community and ensuring that gender-affirming care is protected,” said Kiara St. James, executive director, New York Transgender Advocacy Group. “Thank you Mayor Eric Adams for your continued support and investment in the transgender community.”

“Callen-Lorde is grateful to Mayor Adams for signing Executive Order 32, taking a bold step to make New York City a safe haven for individuals seeking life-saving gender-affirming care,” said Kimberleigh Joy Smith, Senior Director for Public Policy & Advocacy, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center. “Across the country, the bodily autonomy of our LGBTQIA+ communities is threatened. It’s critical that New York City stand up and make it known that gender-affirming care is health care and health care is for everybody here in New York City. Medical providers should be protected in providing lawful care to their patients. Transgender and gender nonbinary individuals deserve to live whole, healthy lives without fear of criminalization. Executive Order 32 is a positive and affirming step in this direction.”

“Apicha Community Health Center commends Mayor Eric Adams for taking a decisive stance against the harmful restrictions on gender-affirming care that are emerging across the country,” said Therese Rodriguez, chief executive officer, Apicha Community Health Center. “By prohibiting the use of city resources to cooperate with investigations and prosecutions related to these restrictions, Mayor Adams is safeguarding the health and dignity of transgender and gender nonbinary individuals in our city. With over a decade’s experience providing health and wellness to this community, we applaud Mayor Adams for his leadership in championing the rights and well-being of our patients. Together, we will continue to advocate for equitable access to gender-affirming care and support the health journey of everyone we serve.”

“As the rights of LGBTQIA+ Americans are under attack, we are proud to live in a city that is standing up for people of trans experience and is working to ensure that everyone has access to life-saving, gender-affirming care,” said Doug Wirth, CEO, Amida Care. “At Amida Care, we advocate for LGBTQIA+ communities and connect our members to quality, gender-affirming care. We applaud Mayor Adams for signing this executive order that will protect our trans neighbors and health care workers who provide gender-affirming care and thank him for being such a strong ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.”

“The LGBTQ+ community is seeing a level of anti-LGBTQ+ hate and rhetoric we’ve not seen since the 1970s. LGBTQ+ families, especially those with transgender parents or transgender children, are under attack,” said Stacey Stevenson, CEO, Family Equality. “We need our leaders to step up, speak out, and take action. Today, New York City Mayor Eric Adams set an example for his peers and legislators across the U.S. with the signing of his executive order to protect access to gender-affirming care and declare New York City as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ families and their health care providers. We are thankful for Mayor Adams’ leadership.”

“Gender affirming care is healthcare, and it saves lives. As LGBTQ+ people — especially youth — continue to face attacks, GLSEN commends Mayor Adams for rising up to protect our most vulnerable communities,” said Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, Executive Director, GLSEN. “We must all continue to fight to ensure that all LGBTQ+ youth have access to the care and resources they need to thrive.”

“We commend the mayor for taking a bold and crucial step towards safeguarding the rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community with the signing of Executive Order 32,” said Melissa D’Andrea, executive director, PFLAG NYC. “It sends a powerful message that everyone, regardless of their gender identity or expression, deserves access to essential health care without fear of discrimination or legal repercussions. PFLAG NYC stands firmly behind this groundbreaking initiative, which sets a powerful example for cities nationwide in safeguarding the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals and families. We are proud that the City of New York continues to serve as a beacon of hope and a safe haven for LGBTQ+ families, where they can find solace, support, and the assurance that their rights and well-being are protected.”

“Transgender young people deserve access to the health care they need to lead happy, healthy lives — just like anyone else,” said Carrie Davis, chief community officer, The Trevor Project. “As gender-affirming care continues to face politically motivated attacks in states across the U.S., we are grateful to see the New York City Mayor’s Office take action to protect this best-practice care. The Trevor Project’s research found that 50 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth in New York seriously considered suicide in the past year. Research has also consistently shown that gender-affirming care is associated with positive mental health outcomes, including showing promise for reducing suicide risk. We applaud the mayor’s executive order that demonstrates New York City stands firm in supporting the health and well-being of transgender young people.”

“Hetrick Martin Institute (HMI) thanks Mayor Adams for his leadership and efforts to protect transgender individual rights and their access to health care,” said Soraya Elcock, chief strategy officer, Hetrick Martin Institute. “An executive order that would make New York City a safe haven for LGBTQIA+ families is a step forward in combatting the targeted efforts from more than 20 states to demonize and systematically erode the rights and dignity of trans youth and their families. Denying gender-affirming health care services is not only devastating but will further traumatize marginalized youth.”

“This week the city and state of New York took policy action to keep our transgender youth and their families safe,” said Amanda Babine, executive director, Equality New York. “We are so grateful for Mayor Adams and their team for setting a standard that TGNCNBI youth and their families deserve to live authentically.”

“AVP supports any efforts to make all places safe spaces for our TGNCNB siblings and advocates, at a time when violence against our communities is escalating and discriminatory bills are sweeping the nation,” said Beverly Tillery, executive director, The New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP). “AVP knows it is vital that folks who come to New York City find safety, gender-affirming essential health care, and healing from the harms they face while trying to live their true selves. We are here always to support TGNCNB survivors of violence whenever and wherever they face harm.”

“Mayor Adams’ executive order demonstrates the city’s commitment to LGBTQ+ people in this precarious time in our country,” said Glennda Testone, executive director, The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Community Center. “The Center supports all efforts to expand the rights and protections guaranteed for LGBTQ+ people, and specifically TGNCNBI individuals and their families, who come to our city seeking refuge. In addition to executive orders such as this, we continue to advocate for policy and budget actions that will substantially improve LGBTQ+ New Yorkers’ lives.”

“On a daily basis, a bill is introduced in some part of the country, from city councils to state houses, to erase LGBTQ+ people, and particularly transgender, nonbinary, and intersex youth, from our society, and criminalize their families, educators, and medical providers,” said Kenrick Ross, executive director, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA). “In many places, those bills are becoming laws, and even when they don't, their very introduction riles up anti-LGBTQ sentiment and inflicts deep harm on the most vulnerable within our communities. As a national organization empowering LGBTQ+ Asians and Pacific Islanders, we are delighted that the city where we were founded and headquartered is being proactive in combating this rising and roiling tide of harm, erase, and criminalization.”

“Mayor Adams’ executive order proves he cares about the health and well-being of New York City’s LGBTQ+ community members,” said Carmen Neely, president and CEO, Harlem Pride. “I am proud to live in a city where protecting access to and those providing and receiving gender-affirming care is prioritized. Mayor Adams demonstrates time and time again that he cares about all of us.”

“LGBTQIA+-affirming health care is nothing short of life-saving. In a time when so many lawmakers across the United States are restricting access to affirming healthcare for LGBTQIA+ people, I am so proud that New York City is doing the opposite,” said Lisa Sloan, PhD, deputy director, Pride Center of Staten Island. “Making New York City a safe haven for LGBTQIA+ affirming health care is an important step in making our city a better place for LGBTQIA+ people. I hope to see similar protections enacted at the state level in the near future.”

“As the rights of LGBTQ+ communities nationally continue to be under attack, I applaud New York City Mayor Eric Adams for taking action in signing Executive Order 32 to ensure the continued access to gender-affirming health care for New York City residents, while protecting out-of-state individuals from possible prosecution or investigation for seeking care,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “As we celebrate Pride Month, we must do our part to uphold the rights of our LGBTQ+ neighbors to ensure they are provided with the excellent care needed to stay safe and healthy. I want to thank Mayor Adams for taking this bold step that reaffirms our city as a leader in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and quality, patient-centered care.”

"As a New York State Senator, I commend Mayor Adams for signing Executive Order 32, which protects access to gender-affirming health care in our city,” said New York State Senator Luis Sepúlveda. “This order sends a powerful message that New York City stands against discrimination and ensures that individuals can receive the care they need without fear of prosecution. Gender-affirming care is essential for the well-being of transgender and non-binary individuals, and it is crucial that we continue to champion LGBTQ+ rights. I am proud of our city's leadership and commitment to inclusivity, especially during Pride Month. I will continue to advocate for comprehensive LGBTQ+ rights legislation at the state level to create a more equitable society for all."
  
"New York City has consistently taken the lead advocating for LGBTQ+ rights,” said New York State Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell. “By implementing Executive Order 32, the city maintains its unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community and conveys a vital message - our dedication to justice will never waver, and we will continuously work towards creating more inclusive spaces for everyone."

“Across the nation, LGBTQ+ rights and protections have been targeted, but in New York City, individuals are ensured to privately receive healthcare procedures that are medically needed,” said New York State Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman “Executive Order 32 protects individuals and their right to gender-affirming healthcare procedures; as well as health care providers in performing the procedures without New York City support in external investigations of providers.” 

“What defines New York City is that we always welcome everyone, including those seeking gender-affirming health care,” said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. “If someone is here for needed medical treatment, we will not cooperate with extremists in other states who are injecting their ideologies into health care. As a compassionate society, we have a moral imperative to safeguard everyone seeking healthcare. Mayor Adams’ Executive Order 32 reaffirms our support for our LGBTQ+ family, saying that we see them and will always protect them.”

“I commend Mayor Adams for protecting the rights of all people to receive gender-affirming care in a safe and legal environment,” said New York State Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos, MSW.

"I commend the city for taking decisive action to protect access to gender-affirming health care through the signing of Executive Order 32,” said New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga. “This decision sends a powerful message showing that New York City prioritizes inclusivity by providing support to the LGBTQ+ community and ensuring that individuals can receive the vital gender-affirming care they need without fear of detainment or prosecution. New York City's commitment to upholding the rights and well-being of transgender and nonbinary individuals sets a shining example for the nation and reinforces our city's reputation as a safe haven for all."