New York City opened the nation’s first government-funded homeless shelter exclusively for transgender individuals — a move that’s drawing sharp criticism, with opponents calling it yet another example of “progressive political theater.”

The city is reportedly spending $63 million in taxpayer dollars to fund the project, which is set to operate through 2030, The Gothamist, a local news outlet, reported.

The shelter, called Ace’s Place, is located in the Bronx and offers 150 beds along with a suite of services including on-site psychiatric care, job training, GED prep, and even culinary arts programs. Funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS) and run in partnership with LGBTQ+ nonprofit Destination Tomorrow, the shelter is being hailed by city leaders as a “groundbreaking national first.”

“A landmark moment for NYC,” the Department of Homeless Services wrote on X. “We have opened the city’s first shelter specifically for homeless transgender and gender-nonconforming people.”

Green stickers indicate the row and place number of cots inside the dormitory tent during a media tour of a shelter New York City is setting up to house up to 1,000 migrants in the Queens borough of New York, Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

“That money should’ve gone to hiring more [Department of Homeless Services] police officers and social workers to make all of our facilities safer.”

“Instead, we are just further segregating the homeless system and ignoring the very real problems in favor of progressive political theater,” she continued. 

Others online echoed that sentiment, questioning the legality and fairness of identity-based shelters.

“The shelter, called Ace’s Place, is built ONLY for transgender and “gender non-conforming individuals” because “trans rights are under attack” How is this legal???” Libs of TikTok wrote in a post on X. 

“This is a horribly discriminatory and unconstitutional use of tax dollars,” another user commented. “It’s being properly condemned as “progressive political theater.” 

Still, supporters argue the shelter sets a national precedent, with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups hailing it as a “blueprint for the future.” The facility will offer wraparound services ranging from mental health and medical care to yoga and job placement assistance, all tailored to the TGNC community.

“This historic milestone reflects what’s possible when Trans-led organizations are empowered to lead and design solutions for their own communities. Destination Tomorrow is once again meeting the moment — providing not just shelter, but critical care, services, and dignity,” said Kimberleigh Joy Smith, EVP of Policy and Advocacy, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center.

Fox News Digital reached out to NYC Council Minority Leader Ariola’s office, but did not immediately receive a response.

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com