Over the past two weeks, LGBTQ+ related data has been removed from federal websites across the U.S., and active research projects have been withdrawn for review in order to censor science relating to minority groups. This censorship is part of a movement by the Trump administration to purge “gender ideology extremism” from federal agencies. These actions put LGBTQ+ Americans at risk, and are antithetical to scientific standards and the American right to free speech.

In January, President Trump signed executive orders to end DEI and “restore biological truth” to the government by exclusively recognizing male and female biological sexes. Trump ordered that the term “gender” be changed to “sex” on all government forms. On January 31, the CDC, State Department, National Park Service, U.S. Census Bureau, and Bureau of Prisons websites were edited to remove or alter information pertaining to HIV, LGBTQ+ health disparities, pregnancy, and more, according to Reuters. The following week, thousands of active National Science Foundation (NSF) research projects were pulled for review after they were flagged for containing trigger words such as “women,” “disability,” and “diversity,” the Washington Post reported. According to the Washington Post, NSF staff have been tasked with determining whether these research projects promote “gender ideology extremism,” and are required to provide a “justification if they determine they are not.”

LGBTQ+ Americans already experience increased barriers when accessing healthcare. According to the 2024 study “LGBT Adults’ Experiences with Discrimination and Health Care Disparities,” LGBT individuals report more negative medical encounters, are more likely to receive poor medical treatment, and are more likely to face discrimination in medical settings, which can discourage people from seeking important care. Trans individuals face especially high adversity in most of these areas.

Excluding minority groups from medical studies and reports has proven negative effects. Historically, medical studies have excluded women and intersex people, which has led to delays in diagnosis and ineffective or harmful treatments, according to the 2022 literature review “Sex Inequalities in Medical Research.” Removing medical data about minorities from government websites will further increase the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face when seeking medical care.

This censorship of science is incredibly disturbing. The United States has a moral imperative to ensure that every American has access to accurate scientific information and adequate medical care. Empirical research must exist outside of political agendas, and the administration’s attempt to erase trans existence is inhumane and dangerous. It is essential that researchers make a continued effort to include all demographics in their studies, and push back against the executive branch’s pressure.