A researcher born in Canada has returned to her home country after facing resistance and funding cuts for her study on transgender athletes in the United States. Joanna Harper has spent two decades investigating the impact of hormone therapy on athletic performance in transgender individuals.
In early 2024, Harper initiated a research project at a university in Portland, Oregon, focusing on fitness performance among trans youth before and after undergoing puberty blockers or hormone therapy. Originally planned for five years, the project was abruptly halted after just 18 months due to concerns following the election of President Donald Trump.
Harper expressed that the political climate under Trump’s administration posed challenges for the transgender community, leading to unfavorable conditions for her research endeavors. Trump’s executive orders, such as defining only two genders on federal documents and restricting biologically male individuals from participating in women’s sports, further exacerbated the situation.
The study, supported by Nike and involving collaboration with four American institutions, faced financial setbacks, forcing its termination. Despite efforts to seek clarification from Nike, the company did not respond to inquiries.
Subsequently, Harper relocated to Western University in Canada to continue her research on trans athletes, aiming to explore the impact of hormone therapy on athletic performance. She noted the disappointment caused by the shifting landscape in the U.S. for scientific endeavors and expressed optimism about continuing her work in Canada.
Western University has introduced a program to assist post-doctoral students connected to U.S. universities affected by funding cuts, offering financial support over a four-year period. Harper remains committed to her research goals and plans to collaborate with local trans athletes to gain insights into their evolving athletic abilities.
Reflecting on her journey, Harper emphasized the importance of ongoing research in understanding the athletic experiences of transgender individuals. Despite facing setbacks in the U.S., she remains determined to advance her studies and contribute valuable insights to the field.