LGBTQ migrant 'wellness' program paused and grant returned after city says funds were never approved for it
OUTnewcomers, an LGBTQ group in Boston, announced it returned city grant funding to the mayor’s office after its plans to offer LGBTQ migrants up to $500 in "wellness" perks, such...
By Fox News · Fox News
OUTnewcomers, an LGBTQ group in Boston, announced it returned city grant funding to the mayor’s office after its plans to offer LGBTQ migrants up to $500 in "wellness" perks, such as yoga classes and massages, clashed with local government's expectations for the funding. "OUTnewcomers will be ceasing all related programming and will return any funds received for this initiative," the group said in a Friday press release . The purpose and scope of the program, called "Belonging Matters," clashed with statements from city officials about their expectations for the grant, prompting questions about how Boston distributes and oversees grants to outside advocacy groups. " No funds have been distributed or directed for these purposes," a city spokesperson told Fox News Digital in response to inquiries about the program. BOSTON'S WU ORDERS RELEASE OF ICE SURVEILLANCE AND BODY CAM FOOTAGE, SAYS FED GOVERNMENT 'HIDES BEHIND MASKS' "This organization received a $7,500 grant through a city program to support mental health services. Those funds were not designated for and may not be used for the voucher program referenced," the spokesperson said. OUTnewcomers had been listed as one of 45 recipients of a larger $200,000 push to support LGBTQ communities in Boston . The $200,000 figure was approved by Wu last year as a part of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement (MOLA). According to Boston officials, OUTnewcomers was awarded a $7,500 mini-grant allocated from the 2026 budget. DEM CITY USES 'BAIT-AND-SWITCH' TACTIC TO APPROVE HOMELESS SHELTER, LOCALS ERUPT "These investments represent our continued dedication to uplifting LGBTQ+ Bostonians by putting resources directly into the hands of trusted community organizations," Wu said in a press release at the time. The mayor's office declined to answer questions about the funds' initial approval. The registration form for Belonging Matters offered applicants yoga, breathwork and meditation, gym memberships, creative arts, peer supp…