Philadelphia protects gender-affirming care
In October, former Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney signed Executive Order No. 4-23 to protect individuals seeking, receiving and providing gender-affirming health care. The order forbids local government from providing information or assistance to any investigation that seeks to penalize anyone, whether a resident or a visitor, who seeks such care in Philadelphia, except as required by state or federal law.
More than 60,000 Philadelphians identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ+). Philadelphia has a long history of LGBTQ+ activism and acceptance. The city government also has a long standing commitment to protecting all people’s right to privacy and bodily autonomy. Executive Order No. 4-23 will ensure that transgender and gender-diverse people are protected and cared for with equal rights.
Recently, there has been an increase of anti-transgender laws across the country that aim to deny transgender and gender-diverse individuals the right to live as their authentic selves and to receive necessary and often life-saving gender-affirming health care. Nearly 1.2 million LGBTQ+ Americans have moved from their city or state in response to the anti-transgender bills that have been passed, including 128,000 transgender people.
“Since the start of this administration, we have focused on advocating for LGBTQ+ issues in all areas of City government,” said Kenney. “This Executive Order … will safeguard the digity and equal rights of transgender and gender-diverse people, whether they call Philadelphia home or seek care in our welcoming city.”
This Executive Order helps to support health care access for LGBTQ+ adults, children and their families, as well as publicly re-affirms Philadelphia’s ongoing effort to advance equality and support its diverse communities.
The mission and duty of Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs is to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community through support, education and resources. For more information, call 215-686-0330; visit City Hall, Room 110; or go to phila.gov/lgbt.
Source: Mayor’s Office of Communications, City of Philadelphia
