Boston Mayor Pushes 'Wellness' Grants for Queer Migrants Despite Budget Shortfall

Critics blast mayor's plan to fund yoga, meditation for illegal immigrants as city lays off teachers

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:39pm

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A tranquil painting of a park bench on a Boston city street, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a nostalgic, cinematic mood.A serene urban scene belies the tensions over the mayor's controversial plan to fund 'wellness' programs for marginalized migrants.Boston Today

Boston's Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu is facing backlash for pushing 'wellness' grants specifically for queer illegal immigrants, despite the city already having a $100 million budget deficit. The tax-funded grants, ranging from $250 to $500 per migrant, were set to be distributed by the activist group OUTnewcomers and used for purposes like gym memberships, yoga, and childcare support.

Why it matters

The mayor's plan has drawn criticism for prioritizing 'wellness' programs for illegal immigrants over essential city services like education, as Boston faces a significant budget shortfall. The controversy highlights the tensions between progressive policies and fiscal realities in Democratic-led cities.

The details

The 'Belonging Matters' grants were to be distributed by the NGO activist group OUTnewcomers, which describes itself as supporting LGBTQ+ migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. The group said the grants were prioritized for 'low-income, trans and isolated LGBTQ+ migrants residing in the City of Boston.' However, the mayor's office later stated that no city funds have been allocated to this program, and that OUTnewcomers has only received a $7,500 grant to support mental health services.

  • The 'Belonging Matters' grants were set to be distributed in 2026.
  • OUTnewcomers paused the program on April 18, 2026 following 'safety threats.'

The players

Michelle Wu

The Democratic mayor of Boston who was pushing the 'wellness' grants for queer illegal immigrants.

Sal Khan

The founder of the activist group OUTnewcomers, which was set to distribute the 'Belonging Matters' grants.

OUTnewcomers

A Boston-based, community-led organization supporting LGBTQ+ migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees.

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What they’re saying

“LGBTQ+ migrants often face trauma, economic hardship, and social isolation. Belonging matters supports healing through community, movement, creativity, and culturally grounded practices that help participants feel more supported, connected, and resourced.”

— OUTnewcomers

What’s next

The mayor's office has stated that no city funds have been allocated to the 'wellness grant' program, and OUTnewcomers has paused the program following safety threats.

The takeaway

The controversy over Mayor Wu's plan to fund 'wellness' programs for queer illegal immigrants highlights the tensions between progressive policies and fiscal realities in Democratic-led cities. As Boston faces a significant budget shortfall, critics have blasted the mayor for prioritizing these grants over essential city services like education.