TL;DR
- Bowen Yang and Michelle Visage call for a ban on hospitals at NYC Pride.
- Hospitals reducing transgender care are targeted in an open letter.
- The Gender Liberation Movement leads the campaign.
- Major hospitals named include NYU Langone and Mount Sinai.
- Activists demand a response before the June 28 march.
In a bold move that’s shaking up the NYC Pride scene, a group of current and former grand marshals, including the fabulous Bowen Yang and the ever-controversial Michelle Visage, are demanding that hospitals that have turned their backs on transgender minors be banned from this year’s Pride march. That’s right, folks—no room for those who don’t support our community!
This call to action comes in the form of an open letter spearheaded by the Gender Liberation Movement (GLM). The letter argues that any hospital system that has stopped providing gender-affirming care for trans youth should not be allowed to strut their stuff at Pride. And honestly, can you blame them? The LGBTQ+ community deserves allies, not institutions that capitulate to political pressures.
Backing this powerful statement are not just the big names like Yang and Visage, but also a lineup of fierce advocates including Dominique Jackson, Peppermint, and Jay Walker from Gays Against Guns. Former grand marshals like TS Madison, Jazz Jennings, and Raquel Willis have also signed on, making it clear that this is a united front against discrimination.
So, which hospitals are on the chopping block? The open letter specifically names NYU Langone, Mount Sinai, and New York-Presbyterian, all of which have recently made moves to cut or reduce services for transgender minors. The GLM is asking Heritage of Pride, the organization behind NYC Pride, to take a stand and exclude these institutions from participating in the march.
“Across the country, transgender youth and their families are facing an unprecedented assault on their rights, dignity, and access to healthcare,” the letter states. And they’re absolutely right. While some healthcare providers have bravely continued to offer necessary care despite the backlash, these New York City hospitals have chosen to bow to pressure from the Trump administration, leaving vulnerable youth without support.
The GLM is not just a group of angry voices; they’ve gathered signatures from 22 LGBTQ+ community leaders, 14 organizations, and 33 parents of transgender children. This is a movement fueled by love and the urgent need for change. They’re demanding a response from Heritage of Pride before the march on June 28, and let’s hope they get it.
As we gear up for Pride, it’s crucial to remember that this celebration is about more than just parades and parties; it’s about standing up for our rights and ensuring that every member of our community feels safe and supported. If hospitals can’t provide that, then they don’t deserve a place in our celebration. Let’s keep the pressure on and make sure that NYC Pride is a space for all, especially the most vulnerable among us.
So, what do you think? Should hospitals that deny care to trans youth be allowed to participate in Pride? Let us know your thoughts below! 💖🌈