CINCINNATI, Ohio — Medically necessary procedures related to a person’s gender identity will be covered under the City of Cincinnati’s health insurance starting next year.

Cincinnati.com reports that City Councilman Chris Seelbach, the city’s first openly gay council member, led a council majority in signing a letter urging the change.

“Since I’ve been here I’ve worked to make this city as competitive and inclusive as possible,” said Seelbach. “This is a another step in that direction.”

Cincinnati would be the first city in Ohio to offer transgender procedures in its health benefits, according TransOhio, a statewide advocacy group.

Shane Morgan, founder and chair of TransOhio, which provides education and advocacy, praised city officials.

“For Cincinnati to cover their trans employees – because there are trans employees who work there – is great,” said Shane Morgan, founder and chair of TransOhio. “Hopefully cities elsewhere in Ohio will follow that.”

In June, the city began offering a domestic partner registry, paving the way for more local companies to offer benefits to same-sex couples.