LGBTQ+ Health Research Under Attack

The Trump administration has abruptly withdrawn 68 federal grants dedicated to LGBTQ+ health research, citing a crackdown on what it calls “ideologically driven science.” These grants, initially awarded to 46 institutions and totaling nearly $40 million, were aimed at crucial studies on HIV prevention, mental health, and cancer risks among sexual minorities. With the cancellations, at least $1.36 million in upcoming funding has been stripped away, though experts warn the real figure could be much higher.

HIV Prevention, Mental Health, and Cancer Studies Defunded

The affected projects included groundbreaking research on HIV prevention strategies, mental health challenges among LGBTQ+ youth, and cancer risks faced by queer individuals. One notable casualty was Vanderbilt University’s health study following 1,200 LGBTQ+ adults over 50, which had already contributed valuable data to medical literature. Despite its success, the project was cut just before a critical funding renewal in April.

Tara McKay, head of Vanderbilt’s LGBTQ+ Policy Lab, warned that without continued financial support, key findings could be lost. “We were set to analyze long-term health outcomes, which are crucial for shaping inclusive healthcare policies. Now, that research is in jeopardy.”

Studies funded by these grants had already influenced medical training, helping providers better screen for cancer in LGBTQ+ populations and address gaps in preventive care.

A Blow to Scientific Progress

Simon Rosser, a researcher at the University of Minnesota studying cancer in gay and bisexual men, criticized the move, arguing that no U.S. institution would now have dedicated funding to examine cancer risks within the LGBTQ+ community.

“This decision doesn’t just hurt LGBTQ+ people—it hinders scientific progress for everyone,” he said. “Defunding an entire field of study means we lose essential medical knowledge that could benefit all Americans.”

Young researchers in the field are also facing uncertainty, with funding losses threatening their jobs and long-term research careers.

“We are at risk of losing an entire generation of LGBTQ+ health scientists,” Rosser added.

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Official Justifications Met with Skepticism

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) defended the cuts, claiming they were intended to prioritize “scientifically rigorous” research. HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon stated that the administration remains committed to evidence-based funding.

However, many researchers see this as a political attack rather than a scientific decision. Letters of termination reviewed by the Associated Press described some studies as “non-scientific” or “not beneficial to a significant number of Americans.”

McKay rejected this reasoning, calling it discriminatory. “LGBTQ+ people are part of the American population. Our health matters,” she said.

As the scientific community pushes back against these funding cuts, many warn of the long-term consequences: fewer studies, less medical knowledge, and an overall decline in LGBTQ+ healthcare advancement.