The University of Alabama at Birmingham was recently awarded substantial federal funding to begin a study on “transgender vaginal health” by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The grant, according to USASpending.gov, sets forth that the transgender population is “underserved” and has “limited engagement” with sexual health services due to discrimination.

“The focus of the research will be on the vaginal health of transgender men (TGM). Testosterone can negatively impact the vaginal health of TGM by thinning the vagin epithelium and leading to atrophic vaginitis and vaginal dysbiosis. In addition to symptoms (E.G., irritation, discharge, odor, dyspareunia), these changes can increase the risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition. Despite their significance, vaginal symptoms and infections are poorly characterized in TGM.”

“Projects range from studies of microbial physiology and antigenic structure to collaborative trials of experimental drugs and vaccines, mechanisms of resistance to antibiotics as well as research dealing with epidemiological observations in hospitalized patients or community populations and progress in allergic and immunologic diseases.”

The funding, worth over $158,000, is specifically going to the research of Dr. Olivia Van Gerwen, an Assistant Professor in the UAB Division of Infectious Diseases.

Former Alabama State Senator and host of Rightside Radio, Phil Williams, questioned why the state should be home to such research projects. “So [UAB Medicine] in Alabama has been awarded a federal grant to study transgender vaginal health. Epitome of first world problems being funded with taxpayer dollars,” Williams wrote.

“‘DECREASING SEXUAL HEALTH DISPARITIES FACED BY TRANSGENDER AND GENDER DIVERSE POPULATIONS. THE FOCUS WILL BE ON THE VAGINAL HEALTH OF TRANSGENDER MEN’ FYI, Men don’t have “vaginal health issues.”

So @uabmedicine in Alabama has been awarded a federal grant to study transgender vaginal health.

Epitome of first world problems being funded with taxpayer dollars

"DECREASING SEXUAL HEALTH DISPARITIES FACED BY TRANSGENDER AND GENDER DIVERSE POPULATIONS. THE FOCUS WILL BE ON…

— Phil Williams (@SenPhilWilliams) September 15, 2024

UAB did not return a request for comment from Yellowhammer News at the time of post.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten