A group of physicians and researchers working on LGBTQ+ health have taken legal action against the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human Services. The lawsuit was filed in response to the termination of grants that have impacted medical research on queer people as part of the implementation of President Trump’s executive orders targeting transgender individuals and diversity initiatives.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, includes over a dozen researchers and a nonprofit group called GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality. The complaint also names health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and NIH director Jay Bhattacharya as defendants. This legal action is the latest in a series of lawsuits against the federal health agency since the Trump administration began its overhaul, and the second to specifically focus on how research cuts have affected LGBTQ+ research. Another group of researchers, including Brittany Charlton of the Harvard T.H. Chan School’s LGBTQ Health Center of Excellence, filed a lawsuit in mid-May.
According to the complaint, federal institutions like the NIH have made significant progress in recent years towards addressing the health disparities that LGBTQ+ people face. However, the government’s recent actions represent a “startling and devastating about-face” in which discrimination is being normalized once again.
The plaintiffs argue that the government’s actions violate the Constitution’s Fifth Amendment guaranteeing equal protection on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, as well as the due process clause. The lawsuit also references a Supreme Court case, U.S. v. Skrmetti, which addresses discrimination against transgender individuals.
Since taking office, President Trump signed executive orders specifically targeting transgender individuals, including redefining sex as binary and withdrawing federal funding from hospitals that provide gender-affirming care to trans individuals under the age of 19. In compliance with these orders, NIH has terminated over $800 million worth of research grants focused on LGBTQ+ individuals, claiming that the research no longer aligns with agency priorities. The lawsuit argues that these terminations have not only disrupted the lives of scientists and clinicians but also endangered the lives of queer people across the country.
The terminated grants covered a wide range of health topics among various queer populations, including research on cardiovascular health, dementia, HIV rates, alcohol use, dating violence, tobacco regulations, and more. The complaint highlights the impact of these terminations on researchers like Carl Streed, a physician-researcher at Boston Medical Center, whose grants for research on trans and gender diverse populations were terminated.
The complaint seeks a judgement declaring the agency guidance and research cuts unlawful and vacating the cuts using “heightened scrutiny,” which is also central to the Skrmetti case. Representatives for HHS and NIH have stated that the agencies do not comment on pending litigation.
In conclusion, the legal action taken by physicians and researchers against the NIH and HHS reflects the ongoing battle to protect LGBTQ+ health research and address disparities in healthcare for queer individuals. The outcome of this lawsuit will have significant implications for the future of LGBTQ+ healthcare and research initiatives. The highly anticipated new album from popular band, The Midnight Sun, has finally been released to rave reviews from fans and critics alike. Titled “Eclipse,” the album features a unique blend of electronic, pop, and rock elements that showcase the band’s signature sound in a fresh and innovative way.
The album opens with the anthemic track “Solar Flare,” a pulsating electronic number that sets the tone for the rest of the record. From there, the band takes listeners on a journey through a series of catchy hooks, infectious melodies, and dynamic production that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Moonlit Serenade,” a dreamy ballad that showcases lead singer Emma’s haunting vocals and the band’s knack for crafting emotionally resonant songs. The track is a perfect example of the band’s ability to blend electronic elements with more traditional instrumentation to create a lush and atmospheric sound.
Another highlight of the album is the upbeat and infectious “Stargazer,” which features a driving beat and catchy chorus that is sure to get fans dancing. The song is a perfect example of the band’s ability to create music that is both accessible and complex, with layers of sound that reveal themselves upon repeated listens.
Overall, “Eclipse” is a masterful display of The Midnight Sun’s talent and creativity, and is sure to solidify their status as one of the most exciting bands in the music industry today. Fans of the band will not be disappointed by this latest offering, and newcomers are sure to be drawn in by the band’s infectious energy and undeniable talent.
In addition to the album release, The Midnight Sun has also announced a nationwide tour in support of “Eclipse,” with dates scheduled in cities across the country. Fans can expect an electrifying live show that showcases the band’s energy and passion for their music, making it a must-see event for music lovers of all kinds.
Overall, “Eclipse” is a triumph for The Midnight Sun, showcasing their evolution as a band and their ability to push boundaries and create music that is both innovative and accessible. Fans of the band are sure to be thrilled with this latest offering, and it is sure to attract new fans to their unique and captivating sound.
