Dozens protested outside NewYork-Presbyterian in Manhattan, accusing the hospital of stopping new gender-affirming care for minors and urging it not to follow other centers that negotiated with the Trump administration to keep programs closed. Activists highlighted that at least six hospitals have struck deals costing more than $24 million in penalties. Public figures, including Elliot Page and Peppermint, joined or supported the demonstrations, and organizers vow to continue rallies until care is restored.
Protesters Urge NewYork-Presbyterian Not To Follow Hospitals That Cut Trans Youth Care After Deals With Trump
Protesters holding pro-trans rights sign gather outside a large building.
Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital on Thursday to demand the restoration of gender-affirming care for minors and to warn the hospital against following other centers that negotiated with the federal administration to keep youth programs closed.
A woman speaks into a black megaphone with a sticker that reads "Gender Liberation Movement."
Organized by the Gender Liberation Movement and ACT UP New York, the protest came after activists said the Manhattan-based hospital stopped accepting new minor patients for gender-affirming services and removed references to pediatric care from its website last year. Protesters framed the move as capitulation to pressure from the Trump administration.
A person holds up a knit blanket bearing the blue, pink and white trans flag.
"We're at NewYork-Presbyterian because they have ended care for trans kids, capitulating to the Trump administration's attacks," said Eliel Cruz, deputy director of the Gender Liberation Movement. "They can't abandon trans kids without us pulling up."
NewYork-Presbyterian has issued cautious, repeated statements saying it "continues to comply with applicable state and federal laws and regulations" and that its "priority is to serve all our patients in a compassionate and responsible way." The hospital declined further comment for this report and did not answer specific questions about whether minors can access gender-affirming care or whether it had negotiated any agreement with the federal government.
A woman holds a hand-made sign that reads: "Dear Trans Kids, I love you. XO Mom."
National Context
Hospitals around the country have closed or restricted gender-affirming care programs for minors amid federal pressure, a move that many major medical associations say harms the mental health and well-being of transgender youth. In several cases, health systems reached settlements with the federal government to keep programs closed, paying penalties and funding services for detransitioners.
A woman holds a sign that reads: "Protect trans kids." She smiles and talks to another attendee.
At least six hospitals — including two in New York City — have worked out such agreements, paying more than $24 million in combined penalties, according to public reporting and activist accounts. Those deals prompted large demonstrations and sustained community backlash at institutions including NYU Langone and Mount Sinai.
A priest with a white collar holds a sign that reads: "Trans souls are sacred and we will fight like hell with you."
Local Organizing And Support
Protesters told reporters they were there not only to demand that NewYork-Presbyterian restore care for minors but also to pressure the hospital against striking a similar deal. "They have already taken one cowardly way out, stopping care for trans youth," said August E., an organizer with both groups, who declined to give a last name for safety reasons. "We don't want them to fall to the same cowardice that NYU Langone and Mount Sinai did."
The demonstrations have drawn public figures and politicians, amplifying calls to protect gender-affirming care. Out actor Elliot Page appeared at a rally outside NYU Langone and said denying care "hurts children." Performer and activist Peppermint urged protesters at NewYork-Presbyterian to build coalitions with labor and racial-justice movements and to maintain direct action until institutions reverse course.
Organizers said they plan to continue rallies and other actions at NewYork-Presbyterian and other hospitals until their demands — including the restoration of gender-affirming services for minors — are met. "We are fighting for the autonomy of trans kids," August said. "We are fighting for our lives."
This article is based on reporting from The Advocate and local outlets and reflects statements from protesters, hospital spokespeople and public sources documenting agreements between hospitals and federal authorities.
Help us improve.
