Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney has signed an executive order ensuring more accessible access to gender-affirming medical treatment within the city, making Philadelphia a go-to destination for trans individuals in need of specialised health care services in the United States.
Officially enacted on October 17, the executive order ensures that city resources will not be utilised to support states that aim to penalise or investigate people who offer or seek gender-affirming treatments in Philadelphia. The order was well-received and reported by local news outlets, including The Philadelphia Inquirer.
While signing executive order 4-23, Mayor Kenney declared, “Philadelphia stands against any form of discrimination against the trans community.”
Sultan Shakir, CEO of the Mazzoni Center, a leading LGBTQ+ healthcare facility in the city, applauded the initiative. He emphasised that the order benefits patients seeking to live their lives authentically and reinforces the importance and integrity of medical providers in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia’s move aligns with other Democratic-majority cities that have initiated similar protections for their trans populations. Earlier this year, New York City Mayor Eric Adams also signed an executive order offering guarantees for access to gender-affirming health care and safeguarding those who opt for such treatments from prosecution.
This positive action comes when numerous anti-trans bills go through Republican-dominated legislative chambers. According to the Trans Legislation Tracker, there has been a surge in anti-trans legislation this year, with 84 such bills being enacted out of a shocking 583 proposals nationwide. This is a significant jump from 2022 when only 26 out of 174 proposed bills were enacted.
