June is Pride Month for LGBT people. In recent years, it has become a mostly celebratory occasion, marking major policy wins like marriage equality, the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and growing visibility and social acceptance.
This year is different. A backlash against LGBT rights and health is well underway — and it’s being accelerated by the Trump administration. As part of a broader campaign against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, attacks on LGBT people have gained political currency. Transgender people, in particular, have become the primary target.
The federal administration has eliminated more than $800 million worth of research into the health of LGBT people. This means the end of studies on cancers and viruses that disproportionately affect LGBT people, as well as research into antibiotic resistance, undiagnosed autism, and suicide prevention.
These cuts will setback progress in controlling and treating sexually transmitted infections. And it’s not just so-called “elite” or “woke” universities that are affected — grants have been canceled for public institutions like Ohio State and the University of Alabama. Florida State University lost a $41 million research grant aimed at preventing HIV among adolescents and young adults — a group that accounts for one-fifth of all new infections each year.
Historically, research grant cancellations have been rare, usually limited to cases of scientific misconduct. These cuts are ideological. They are now the subject of ongoing litigation.
While cuts to research happen behind the scenes, with long-term consequences, the attacks on transgender health are front and center. One of the administration’s early executive orders prohibits hospitals from providing gender-affirming care for youth. A bill passed by the House of Representatives would extend that ban to adults. And in an Orwellian twist, the FBI kicked off Pride Month by asking for tips from the public on “any hospitals or clinics who break the law and mutilate children under the guise of ‘gender affirming care.’”
Even before these recent actions, LGBT people faced health disparities. In New York City, for example, LGBT residents are more likely to experience mental health challenges. According to the City’s health department, 7% of heterosexual adults report serious psychological distress, compared with 12% of gay or lesbian adults. Among transgender adults, that number jumps to 21%. LGBT New Yorkers also experience higher rates of social isolation.
As New Yorkers get ready for Pride, there has been a sharp pullback by corporate sponsors. About a quarter of major sponsors for NYC’s Pride events have canceled or pulled back their support — including brands like Pepsi, Nissan, Mastercard, Citi, and PwC — wary of political backlash from the federal administration.
Pride might be smaller this year, but it should also be louder. It’s not a marketing event. It should be a protest against the harmful policies impacting LGBT health and wellbeing. We don’t need corporate swag; we need rigorous research, access to high-quality services, and policies that promote inclusion instead of discrimination.
That’s the true meaning of Pride. Because being proud is being healthy.
