In a recent development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Cancels $600K Grant for Transgender Men Menstrual Cycle Study. This decision, announced by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, has sparked discussions about the allocation of federal funds and the scope of agricultural research. If you think this one is wild, go read about the $18 million dollar per month migrant housing contract for Family Endeavors, because that one is as wild!
Background of the Grant
The grant was awarded to Southern University Agricultural & Mechanical College in Louisiana. According to the grant description, the study aimed to address concerns related to menstruation, including exploring the potential use of natural fibers, such as hemp, in feminine hygiene products. The description also highlighted that menstruation is not exclusive to cisgender women, acknowledging that transgender men, intersex, and non-binary individuals may also experience menstrual cycles.
Secretary Rollins’ Announcement
On Friday, Secretary Rollins took to the social media platform X to announce the cancellation of the grant. She expressed her gratitude towards the conservative nonprofit American Principles Project for bringing attention to the grant, stating, “The insanity is ending and the restoration of America is underway.”
Reactions and Implications
The cancellation of the grant has elicited varied reactions. Supporters of the decision argue that federal funds should be prioritized for projects with direct agricultural implications and that this study fell outside that scope. Critics, however, contend that the research addressed important health concerns for a marginalized community and that its termination could hinder progress in understanding and improving menstrual health products.
The Role of the American Principles Project
The American Principles Project, a conservative nonprofit organization, played a pivotal role in uncovering the grant. They have identified over 340 federal grants issued during the Biden administration, totaling more than $128 million, to various institutions for studies related to gender and sexuality. Their efforts aim to scrutinize the allocation of federal funds towards such studies.
Broader Context of Federal Funding for Transgender Health Studies
This incident is part of a larger national discourse on federal funding for studies related to transgender health. For instance, during the Biden administration, the National Institutes of Health funded nearly 30 studies, amounting to approximately $17 million, to analyze the potential dangers and uncertainties of puberty blockers and hormone therapies for transgender individuals. These studies aimed to investigate various health risks, including cardiovascular issues and infertility, associated with hormonal treatments.
Conclusion
The USDA’s decision to cancel the $600,000 grant for studying menstrual cycles in transgender men underscores the complexities involved in federal funding allocations for research. It highlights the ongoing debate about the role of government in supporting studies that address the health needs of diverse populations and the criteria used to determine the relevance and priority of such research projects.
