Belonging Matters

OUTnewcomers, a Boston-based LGBTQ organization, paused its 'Belonging Matters' wellness program for migrants and returned a $7,500 city grant after officials stated the funds were never approved for the initiative. The program offered wellness perks like yoga and massages, but discrepancies in voucher amounts and security concerns led to its halt.

OUTnewcomers, an LGBTQ group in Boston, returned a $7,500 city grant after its 'Belonging Matters' wellness program for LGBTQ migrants—offering perks like yoga and massages—clashed with the city's grant expectations. The mayor’s office stated no funds were approved for the voucher program, leading to questions about grant oversight.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu denied city funding for a program offering up to $500 in wellness perks to LGBTQ migrants, stating that a $7,500 grant to OUTnewcomers was designated for mental health services, not the disputed voucher program. The organization later revised its description to cap benefits at $50, sparking public backlash over taxpayer use and conflicting claims about the program's scope.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu denied city funding for an LGBTQ migrant 'wellness' program offering up to $500 in perks, as advocacy group OUTnewcomers scaled back claims after backlash. The city confirmed a $7,500 grant for mental health services, unrelated to the disputed vouchers, while critics accused misallocation of taxpayer funds.

Boston is providing wellness vouchers to LGBTQ+ migrants through a partnership with OUTnewcomers, initially reported as $250-$500 but later clarified as $50 or less. The program faced backlash and threats, leading to its temporary pause after death threats and ICE reporting concerns emerged.