Callen-Lorde’s Rally to Protect Trans Health was a success in Albany

Callen-Lorde’s lifesaving healthcare makes an impact in patients’ lives and in legislators’ work at every level of government. This impact was on full display yesterday during our Rally to Protect Trans Health in Albany. 

Callen-Lorde leaders have made advocating for trans healthcare protections a priority long before a new presidential administration took office. But since January 20, when the community’s rights, healthcare and very identities came under explicit threat, we have been committed to doing everything in our power to protect patients and staff. 

At the state government level, we are pushing New York to invest in protecting trans care from attack—and protecting the vulnerable communities that need it. We’re calling on lawmakers to establish a $50 million contingency fund for gender-affirming care, strengthen shield laws to protect providers and patients, and increase funding for the Lorena Borajas Transgender & Gender Non-Binary Wellness and Equity Fund. 

So we began planning an event in Albany for the end of February. The demonstration grew into a full-blown rally, born out of our collaboration with partners including Amida Care, Housing Works, The NEW Pride Agenda, Equality Works and the Ali Forney Center and the trust we’ve built with patients. More than 100 people showed up and showed out, crowding the Million Dollar Staircase to chant for trans health rights.  

“These are not ordinary times,” CEO Patrick McGovern said at the beginning of the rally. “These are times when our leaders, our governors, our legislature, must stand up and take action.” 

Our provider and patient speakers were energized and passionate. Led by Patrick, they recalled how receiving trans healthcare has changed their lives and helped them live authentically. Our EVP of research and education Asa Radix spoke to how Callen-Lorde is committed to protecting trans staff, while providers who practice all the way in Oneonta shared how vital affirming care is to the people they serve. The speakers showcased exactly why care needs to be invested in, protected and strengthened. They lent humanity to the cause we’re trying to uplift. 

The rally also showcased relationships we’ve built with lawmakers. Legislators including Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, Assemblymember Tony Simone, Senator Gustavo Rivera and Assemblymember Harry Bronson committed to supporting our asks in their speeches as they move through the legislative session, a tangible result of our work. 

And that work didn’t stop when the rally wound down. For several hours we held private meetings with legislators, where Asa continued to advocate for provider protections, and canvassed the Legislative Office Building making sure more lawmakers were aware of our cause. We supported other groups rallying on the staircase and made our presence known throughout the cavernous building in our bright, proud shirts. After a long day we returned to the city after dark. 

To our staff who helped make this rally a reality: thank you. Amid an anxiety-inducing political climate our colleagues booked buses, brought together patients and partners, made the signs and shirts that made us recognizable, created speeches and liaised with lawmakers. Without you, yesterday would not have been such a success—and we do count it as a success. 

From Albany to the city and beyond, Callen-Lorde will always fight for the rights of the people we serve, today and always. Yesterday’s rally was a shining example of how our dedication and resilience can create tangible, positive outcomes for our communities, and we are committed to doing more as federal policy unfolds. Onward!