Support for trans community after executive orders

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -LGBTQ+ members from across the state met at the Capitol to protest President Trump’s executive orders. Inside and outside of the New York government hub, they had a message for officials:

“Us in New York State should be leading to protect the most marginal, vulnerable communities. That includes the transgender community,” stated Democratic Assemblymember Tony Simone.

Gender-affirming medical care was one of many services restricted by the executive orders. Anyone under 19 who receives transition treatment like hormones or puberty blockers that are funded through the federal government would no longer be able to do so.

That’s something the trans community swears to be lifesaving. “Gender-affirming hormone therapy reduced suicide ideations by 40% among trans and nonbinary youth,” explained one advocate.

Attorney General Letitia James and 22 other states across the country filed a lawsuit in opposition to the executive order. In response, a temporary restraining order was issued in federal court to prevent a funding freeze for treatment.

In a letter to hundreds of recipients of federal funding, James wrote, “Withholding the availability of services from transgender individuals based on their gender identity or their diagnosis of gender dysphoria, while offering such services to cisgender individuals, is discrimination under New York law.”

NEWS10’s Anthony Krolikowski reached out to Capital Region medical providers to see if they are still providing gender-affirming care, like Albany Med. In a statement, the communications team said, “We are continuing to monitor and assess the developing situation.”

The following is part of a larger statement from Republican Albany County Legislator Paul Burgdorf: “Federal tax dollars should not be spent on gender reassignment surgery and sex change treatment for minors, period.”