The Brian Lehrer Show The Trump Admin and LGBTQ New Yorkers
Oct 3, 2025
Giulia Heyward, a reporter for WNYC and Gothamist specializing in LGBTQ issues, dives into the Trump administration's rollbacks of federal protections affecting healthcare and education for the LGBTQ community. She highlights New York’s local responses, including recent legislation and funding for gender-affirming care. Discussion also covers Mayor Adams' challenges regarding bathroom policies, the implications of federal cutbacks on school funding, and the grassroots movements addressing anti-trans sentiments in political spheres. Symbolic actions like altered Pride displays are explored, emphasizing their emotional impact on the community.
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Federal Rollbacks Hit Many Areas
- The Trump administration has rolled back protections across healthcare, military, education, and arts affecting LGBTQ people nationwide.
- These federal changes create gaps that local and state policies must now try to fill or defend in courts.
Local Laws Provide A Partial Shield
- New York's state and city laws offer stronger local protections that can partially shield residents from federal rollbacks.
- Lawmakers and the city budget have taken steps to strengthen access to gender-affirming care locally.
Magnet Funding Threatens Local Programs
- The federal Education Department threatened to pull magnet school funding over NYC policies letting trans students use bathrooms and play on teams aligned with their gender identity.
- Officials have not clearly explained which specific programs the $15 million funded, increasing uncertainty about impacts.