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Already known as a LGBTQ-friendly destination, Palm Springs, California is doing even more to supports its transgender and nonbinary residents.
As reported by Fox News, the city plans to pay a universal basic income — up to $900 a month — to trans and nonbinary residents if they meet a certain income threshold. The City Council voted unanimously to fund the pilot program and earmarked $200,000 for it.
The group Mayors for a Guaranteed Income has gained considerable support in 62 US cities, with 28 pilot programs underway in such cities as St. Paul, Denver, Baltimore, Compton, Newark, Santa Fe and others.
Yet not everyone’s in favor of universal basic income programs – including Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton. In December 2021, she became the city’s first openly transgender mayor (and the third one nationwide). It was previous Mayor Christy Holstege who first advocated for guaranteed income in Palm Springs. Mayor Middleton told Fox News she voted yes with the City Council thinking the $200,000 would fund a local health center’s application to the state for funding rather than going straight to residents. She thinks funding should come from state or federal wells rather than municipal.
CEO of DAP Health David Brinkman says the city’s transgender population faces housing insecurity, joblessness and discrimination. The 18-month program will fund 20 transgender or nonbinary Palm Springs residents.