Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Trump Administration Cuts LGBTQ Health Research Grants: What It Means

Last week, the government of the United States abruptly terminated at least 68 grants which were awarded to 46 institutions. This was a total of $40 million in funding. These grants were supporting research which was related to <span>LGBTQ health</span>, and included HIV prevention, youth suicide, cancer and bone health. While some of these funds have already been used, at least $1.36 million was withdrawn from future support. This figure is also an undercount, as estimates were available only for a portion of the cancelled grants. 

This has affected a large number of studies, especially on health of sexual minorities that has led to many researchers to believe that the cuts are also politically motivated. The National Institute of Health (NIH), which had earlier awarded these grants falls under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon defended the move stating that the agency aims to uphold "gold-standard, evidence-based science". Now this does not necessarily comes as a shock to people, as every since the Trump administration has taken over, many studies, grants, and papers have been removed, erased and or cancelled wherever there was gender involved. 

Earlier this month, two California researchers have alleged that the US Government health journal instructed them to remove references to gender and sexual orientation from a scientific manuscript that had already been accepted for publication. Their paper examine smoking habits among the youth in the rural areas and was set to be published in Public Health Reports, the official journal of the US Surgeon General and the US Public Health Service.

<h4>The Impact On LGBTQ Health Research</h4>

One of the most affected studies was a long-term project at the Vanderbilt University which tracked the health of more than 1,200 LGBTQ individuals aged 50 and older. This was led by Tara McKay of Vanderbilt's LGBTQ+ Policy Lab. The research had already yielded two dozens of published papers and has helped improve healthcare for LGBTQ patients by training doctors in inclusive medical practices. The study's funding was up for its renewal in April, however, it is now in jeopardy.

<strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/us-government-is-erasing-sexual-orientation-from-medical-research-findingswhat-does-it-mean-for-healthcare-article-151291511" data-type="tilCustomLink">US Government Is Erasing Sexual Orientation From Medical Research Findings—What Does It Mean For Healthcare?</a></strong>

Another researcher from the University of Minnesota saw his research on cancer in gay and bisexual men come to an abrupt halt. The cuts may have long-term consequences, and may slow scientific discovery and eliminate jobs for young researchers who want to enter this field.

<h4>Trump Administration's Stance On Gender In Healthcare</h4>

These cuts are not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of policy changes under the Trump administration that have targeted LGBTQ rights in healthcare. Trump’s executive orders and administrative actions altered the legal definition of gender in federal health policies, rolling back protections for transgender and non-binary individuals.

One major change came in 2020 when the administration reversed an Obama-era rule under the Affordable Care Act that prohibited healthcare discrimination based on gender identity. This move allowed medical providers to refuse treatment to transgender individuals. Additionally, HHS redefined "sex" in a way that excluded protections for gender identity, making it harder for transgender people to access gender-affirming care.

Termination letters too have been sent to researchers citing that their research is either "unscientific" or do not contribute to health of "many Americans". 

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Last week, the government of the United States abruptly terminated at least 68 grants which were awarded to 46 institutions. This was a total of $40 million in funding. These grants were supporting research which was related to LGBTQ health, and included HIV prevention, youth suicide, cancer and bone health. While some of these funds have already been used, at least $1.36 million was withdrawn from future support. This figure is also an undercount, as estimates were available only for a portion of the cancelled grants. This has affected a large number of studies, especially on health of sexual minorities that has led to many researchers to believe that the cuts are also politically motivated. The National Institute of Health (NIH), which had earlier awarded these grants falls under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon defended the move stating that the agency aims to uphold "gold-standard, evidence-based science". Now this does not necessarily comes as a shock to people, as every since the Trump administration has taken over, many studies, grants, and papers have been removed, erased and or cancelled wherever there was gender involved. Earlier this month, two California researchers have alleged that the US Government health journal instructed them to remove references to gender and sexual orientation from a scientific manuscript that had already been accepted for publication. Their paper examine smoking habits among the youth in the rural areas and was set to be published in Public Health Reports, the official journal of the US Surgeon General and the US Public Health Service.The Impact On LGBTQ Health ResearchOne of the most affected studies was a long-term project at the Vanderbilt University which tracked the health of more than 1,200 LGBTQ individuals aged 50 and older. This was led by Tara McKay of Vanderbilt's LGBTQ+ Policy Lab. The research had already yielded two dozens of published papers and has helped improve healthcare for LGBTQ patients by training doctors in inclusive medical practices. The study's funding was up for its renewal in April, however, it is now in jeopardy.ALSO READ: US Government Is Erasing Sexual Orientation From Medical Research Findings—What Does It Mean For Healthcare?Another researcher from the University of Minnesota saw his research on cancer in gay and bisexual men come to an abrupt halt. The cuts may have long-term consequences, and may slow scientific discovery and eliminate jobs for young researchers who want to enter this field.Trump Administration's Stance On Gender In HealthcareThese cuts are not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of policy changes under the Trump administration that have targeted LGBTQ rights in healthcare. Trump’s executive orders and administrative actions altered the legal definition of gender in federal health policies, rolling back protections for transgender and non-binary individuals.One major change came in 2020 when the administration reversed an Obama-era rule under the Affordable Care Act that prohibited healthcare discrimination based on gender identity. This move allowed medical providers to refuse treatment to transgender individuals. Additionally, HHS redefined "sex" in a way that excluded protections for gender identity, making it harder for transgender people to access gender-affirming care.The JustificationTermination letters too have been sent to researchers citing that their research is either "unscientific" or do not contribute to health of "many Americans". 