The U.S. Department of Agriculture has canceled a $600,000 grant meant to study menstrual cycles in transgender men. This decision was announced by Secretary Brooke Rollins on Friday. The grant was originally awarded to Southern University Agricultural & Mechanical College in Louisiana and was set to continue until April 2027.
The study aimed to explore menstruation’s impact on transgender men and other individuals with masculine gender identities. It also sought to address concerns about menstrual health and potential alternatives in feminine hygiene products, including natural fibers like hemp.
In a statement on social media, Rollins expressed gratitude to the American Principles Project, a conservative nonprofit that highlighted the grant, saying, "The insanity is ending and the restoration of America is underway." The project has reported that over 340 federal grants totaling more than $128 million have been issued during the Biden administration to various institutions, including colleges and hospitals.
The grant’s description noted that menstruation typically begins around age 12 and continues until menopause, which occurs around age 51. It also emphasized that about 26% of the world’s population is menstruating at any given time, including transgender men and non-binary individuals.
Rollins’ announcement reflects a broader trend of scrutinizing federal spending on social science research, particularly studies related to gender and sexuality. The cancellation has sparked discussions about the direction of public funding and priorities under the current administration.