USDA Cancels $600,000 Grant for Menstrual Cycle Study in Transgender Men

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has officially cancelled a grant valued at $600,000 that was intended for research on menstrual cycles among transgender men. This decision was communicated by Secretary Brooke Rollins on social media.

Details of the Grant

The funding was designated for the Southern University Agricultural & Mechanical College in Louisiana, as reported by USAspending.gov. According to the grant description, it sought to explore various aspects of menstruation and acknowledged that individuals with masculine gender identities, including transgender men and non-binary persons, may experience menstruation.

Context and Implications

Rollins highlighted the cancellation in a post on social media, stating, “CANCELLED: $600,000 grant to study ‘menstrual cycles in transgender men.'” She expressed gratitude towards the American Principles Project, a conservative nonprofit that brought attention to this grant and has tracked over 340 federal grants totaling more than $128 million issued since the beginning of the Biden administration.

Goals of the Study

The objective behind the study was to address growing concerns related to menstruation. The research also aimed to investigate alternative materials, such as hemp, for use in feminine hygiene products. The grant was originally expected to continue through April 2027.

Statistics on Menstruation

The grant description included important statistics about menstruation, noting that the average onset occurs around age 12 and ceases with menopause, typically around age 51. It also highlighted that approximately 26% of the world’s population is menstruating at any given time.

Conclusion

The cancellation of this grant reflects ongoing debates about federal funding for studies focused on gender and health issues. As discussions continue, the USDA will likely face scrutiny regarding its future funding priorities.