Agriculture secretary cancels $600K grant for study on menstrual cycles in transgender men

The U.S. Department of Agriculture made a significant decision to cancel a $600,000 grant that was allocated for the study of menstrual cycles in transgender men. This announcement was made by Secretary Brooke Rollins on Friday, sparking a wave of discussions and debates surrounding the issue.

The grant was initially awarded to the Southern University Agricultural & Mechanical College in Louisiana, as indicated in a database on USAspending.gov. The description of the grant highlighted the importance of understanding the menstrual cycle, stating that it typically begins around the age of 12 and continues until menopause at around 51 years old. The grant also emphasized that menstruation is not limited to cisgender women, acknowledging that transgender men, individuals with masculine gender identities, intersex individuals, and non-binary persons may also experience menstruation.

One of the key objectives of the study was to address concerns related to menstruation, including exploring the use of natural fibers like hemp in feminine hygiene products. The research was intended to shed light on the diverse experiences of individuals across the gender spectrum when it comes to menstrual health.

However, the decision to cancel the grant has raised questions and concerns among various stakeholders. Conservative nonprofit American Principles Project brought attention to this particular grant as part of their broader investigation into federal funding under the Biden administration. They identified over 340 federal grants totaling more than $128 million, sparking a larger conversation about the allocation of government funds.

Secretary Rollins took to social media to announce the cancellation of the grant, expressing gratitude to the American Principles Project for their vigilance. She emphasized the need to prioritize funding that aligns with the administration’s priorities and values, signaling a shift in the allocation of resources.

The cancellation of the grant has sparked a debate about the role of government funding in research and the importance of aligning research priorities with the values of the administration in power. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact future research initiatives and funding allocations in the realm of public health and gender studies.