New Study Reveals NIH’s $1B+ Investment in LGBTQ+ Health Research Since 2015" (149 characters) **Alternative Option (shorter):** "Decade of NIH

# NIH Funding for LGBTQ+ Research: A Decade of Progress and Gaps

A new report from the University of Minnesota (UMN) reveals significant trends in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for LGBTQ+ health research over the past decade. While funding has increased, disparities remain, particularly for transgender and non-binary populations.

## **Key Findings from the UMN Report**

### **1. Growth in Funding but Still Limited**
- NIH allocated **$1.1 billion** to LGBTQ+-related research between 2012 and 2022.
- Funding increased **fivefold** since 2012, reaching $280 million in 2022.
- Despite growth, LGBTQ+ research accounts for **less than 1%** of total NIH funding.

### **2. HIV/AIDS Dominates Research Focus**
- **70%** of funding went to HIV/AIDS-related studies, primarily among gay and bisexual men.
- Other critical areas (mental health, cancer, aging) received **far less attention**.

### **3. Underfunding of Transgender and Non-Binary Research**
- Only **10%** of LGBTQ+ funding focused on transgender and non-binary health.
- Key issues like **gender-affirming care and hormone therapy** remain understudied.

### **4. Geographic and Institutional Disparities**
- Most grants went to large institutions in **California, New York, and Massachusetts**.
- Fewer resources reached **rural and Southern states**, where LGBTQ+ populations face higher discrimination.

## **Why This Matters**
LGBTQ+ individuals experience **higher rates of depression, substance use, and suicide risk**—yet research funding has historically lagged. Increased investment could:
- Improve culturally competent healthcare
- Reduce health disparities
- Inform policy changes

## **What Advocates Are Saying**
- **“We need more studies on aging LGBTQ+ adults and intersectional identities.”** – UMN Researcher
- **“Trans health can’t be an afterthought—it’s a life-and-death issue.”** – LGBTQ+ Advocate

## **What’s Next?**
The report calls for:
- **More inclusive grant application processes**
- **Dedicated NIH funding streams** for LGBTQ+ research
- **Greater focus on non-HIV related health issues**

### **What Do You Think?**
- Should NIH prioritize LGBTQ+ research funding over other health areas?
- Is the focus on HIV/AIDS research justified, or does it overshadow other critical health needs?
- How can universities and advocacy groups push for more equitable research funding?
- Should religious-affiliated institutions receiving NIH grants be required to include LGBTQ+ health studies?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

*Breaking Now News (BNN) – Keeping you informed on the latest research and policy shifts.*