Trump Administration Slashes 68 LGBTQ Health Grants A Major Blow to Sexual Minority Health Research
rump Administration Slashes 68 LGBTQ Health Grant
The Trump administration has abruptly revoked at least 68 grants dedicated to LGBTQ+ health research, citing a policy shift aimed at eliminating what officials label as ideologically biased science. These grants, awarded to 46 institutions and initially valued at nearly $40 million, have largely been rescinded, with some funds already partially utilized. At least $1.36 million in future funding has been cut—a figure that may be underestimated due to incomplete records.
HIV Prevention, Cancer Research, and Mental Health in Jeopardy
Many of the affected projects were focused on HIV prevention, but research into cancer, youth mental health, and bone health has also suffered. One of the most impacted initiatives was Vanderbilt University’s long-term study tracking the health of 1,200 LGBTQ+ individuals over the age of 50. Although most of the funding had been spent, the project was due for renewal in April, according to Tara McKay, director of Vanderbilt’s LGBTQ+ Policy Lab. She warned that without continued funding, key long-term findings would remain incomplete.
This program had already resulted in over 20 published scientific studies, some of which played a critical role in training healthcare providers to improve cancer screenings and preventive care for LGBTQ+ patients.
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Researchers Call It a Setback for Science
Simon Rosser, a leading researcher at the University of Minnesota specializing in cancer among gay and bisexual men, expressed deep concern over the cuts. He noted that, with these funding losses, no research institution in the United States would be able to dedicate resources to studying cancer within the LGBTQ+ community.
"Eliminating all grants targeting sexual minorities puts a significant brake on scientific discovery—for everyone," Rosser stated.
The repercussions extend beyond established scientists. The sudden loss of funding threatens the careers of young researchers, potentially crippling the future of LGBTQ+ health studies.
"We are witnessing the loss of an entire generation of scientists," he warned.
Official Explanations Under Fire
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) defended the decision, arguing that it was refocusing funding on research grounded in "evidence-based science." Andrew Nixon, an HHS spokesperson, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to maintaining high scientific standards.
However, affected researchers strongly dispute these justifications. Termination letters reviewed by the Associated Press claimed that the studies were deemed "unscientific" or that they "did not significantly benefit the American population."
Tara McKay condemned these arguments, calling them both inaccurate and discriminatory.
"My project was accused of not serving the American people. But queer and trans people are Americans," she asserted.
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