A researcher born in Canada has returned to her home country due to challenges and funding cuts faced while conducting a study on transgender athletes in the United States. Joanna Harper has dedicated two decades to exploring the impact of hormone therapy on athletic performance among transgender individuals.
In early 2024, Harper initiated a research project in Portland, Oregon, focusing on the fitness performance of transgender youth before and after undergoing puberty blockers or hormone therapy. The intended five-year project was abruptly terminated after only 18 months. Harper attributed this to the changing political landscape in the U.S., particularly under the administration of President Donald Trump, which posed threats to the transgender community.
Following Trump’s presidency, policies targeting transgender rights were implemented, such as recognizing only two genders in federal documents and restricting biologically assigned males from participating in women’s sports. Additionally, significant funding cuts in scientific research were enforced by the U.S. government.
Harper’s collaborative project, funded by Nike and involving four American institutions, was disbanded when financial support was withdrawn. Despite acknowledging Nike’s lack of response, Harper believes external pressure influenced the decision. Consequently, she relocated to Western University in London, Ontario, her alma mater, to continue her research on trans athletes.
Western University has prioritized recruiting international talent amid the shifting funding landscape in the U.S. A new program was launched to support post-doctoral students affiliated with U.S. universities by providing financial assistance over four years.
Harper’s interest in studying trans athletes stemmed from personal experience during her own transition in 2004, where she observed a notable decrease in running speed post-hormone therapy. With the need to restart her research from scratch due to inadequate data collection, Harper plans to collaborate with local trans athletes to explore their evolving athletic abilities.
Looking ahead, Harper anticipates challenges in conducting trans research in the U.S. until at least 2029. Despite uncertainties, she remains committed to advancing knowledge in this field.