Trump administration axes more than $125m in LGBTQ health funding...

[Jessica_Rose]

Trump administration axes more than $125m in LGBTQ health funding, upending research field

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/trump-administration-axes-more-than-125m-in-lgbtq-health-funding-upending-research-field/ar-AA1Ceekv?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=2d9ffa21a9f64113dd949f86b5e591e5&ei=126

Story by Benjamin Ryan (3 April 2025)

The nation's LGBTQ research field is collapsing.

In recent weeks, academics who focus on improving the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans have been subjected to waves of grant cancellations from the National Institutes of Health. More than 270 grants totaling at least $125 million of unspent funds have been eliminated, though the true sum is likely much greater, researchers told NBC News.

Cancellation letters obtained by NBC News often vaguely state that the research in question no longer suits NIH priorities. Some allude to executive orders issued by President Donald Trump, including one that effectively bars recognition of transgender identities and another forbidding diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, initiatives.

Hundreds of researchers, many of them panicked, have watched as the system that supports their life's work — to address the myriad health disparities faced by sexual and gender minorities — has been upended. Many of them suddenly face potential unemployment and a job market rendered bleak by the Trump administration's efforts to downsize funding for academic research.

Transgender people face clear erasure from the national research agenda. As for gay people, the White House's initial, narrow attention on trans populations in its executive orders suggested it might leave gays untouched.

This includes research into reducing rates of HIV and other STIs. Such studies have also been canceled if they include trans people as an additional risk group.