Statement on the Importance of Sexuality and Gender Research
Abstract
We, the editors of leading sexual and gender-related science journals, are responding to the call for U.S. government researchers to withdraw all research manuscripts which are being considered for publication by external scientific journals which contain terms, such as gender, transgender, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) and nonbinary so that they can be reviewed. This directive follows the removal of webpages and public health data from government websites, eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and the suspension of National Institutes of Health grant reviews and meetings. We believe that these efforts constitute clear examples of censorship of science and thus a political attempt to obstruct the discovery of knowledge. Research into sexuality and gender is vital for identifying social, cultural, and medical needs of populations, and addressing inequalities across populations. Research on sexuality is not new but has a long tradition of enhancing our understanding of the human condition and addressing medical, social, and cultural harms.