UCLA suspends brain imaging study amid ‘grave concerns’ from LGBTQ advocates
The University of California, Los Angeles, is temporarily suspending a National Institute of Health-backed imaging study amid “grave concerns” from the LGBTQ community about what it sees as “unethical” research design.
UCLA scientists are exploring the neurological and genetic factors that contribute to the development of one’s transgender identity. As part of the effort, they’re recruiting self-identified trans and cisgender individuals between the ages of 18-40 to undergo MRI scans and have their pictures taken.
But groups such as the Gender Justice LA are skeptical of the investigation’s intent and have been pushing for a pause. The effort’s principal investigator, meanwhile, is obliging, while also considering modifications following the backlash.
“This study’s stated purpose is to trigger ‘gender dysphoria’ by taking photographs of participants’ bodies in tight clothing (unitards), and specifically people who have not had access to affirming medical transition,” Ezak Perez, executive director of the grassroots group, said in a Jan. 28 statement, adding that it will “cause mental health distress” among an “already marginalized and vulnerable community.”
UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior reportedly reached out to members of the South California trans, gender-nonconforming and intersex community in December. Their aim was to gather feedback on the MR imaging study and ways to make it more inclusive. But after its members participated in such focus groups, Gender Justice LA and the California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network began circling a letter urging people to stay away.
“We strongly recommend that transgender community members and LGBTQ organizations do not advertise or participate in this study. We have grave concerns about the unethical research design,” the groups wrote Jan. 27. “We were asked for input about low retention of trans participants and found the researchers unable to comprehend why this study is harmful,” they added later.
In a statement, the Los Angeles institution said it takes seriously its responsibility to conduct research that “respects study participants and is sensitive to the broader cultural context.” Following the blowback, Principal Investigator Jamie Feusner, MD—a professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences—is voluntarily pausing the study. He plans to gather further input from the LGBTQ community to “understand their concerns more deeply and have a dialogue about the study’s objectives.”
Leaders will also consider whether to revise the investigation’s design, shared Phil Hampton, a spokesman for UCLA Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine.
“The ultimate hope of this study is that it will lead to improved quality of life for those who identify as transgender, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming and a better understanding of the effects of hormones on the brain,” he told Radiology Business. “UCLA believes partnership with our diverse communities is essential to performing research that is culturally aware, socially responsible, improves quality of life and advances our public service mission.”
Marty Stempniak has covered healthcare since 2012, with his byline appearing in the American Hospital Association's member magazine, Modern Healthcare and McKnight's. Prior to that, he wrote about village government and local business for his hometown newspaper in Oak Park, Illinois. He won a Peter Lisagor and Gold EXCEL awards in 2017 for his coverage of the opioid epidemic.