Full Breakdown
Dark Money Fuels Controversial Gender Dysphoria Research
3/25/2026, 6:37:13 AM
Overview of the Gender Dysphoria Institute and AYAGDOS
An investigation by Erin in the Morning has uncovered that far-right dark money is financing the Gender Dysphoria Institute (GDI), which is conducting the Adolescent and Young Adult Gender Dysphoria Outcomes Study (AYAGDOS). This initiative, in collaboration with Northwestern University, aims to explore gender dysphoria and related phenomena. However, it is heavily criticized for its ties to anti-trans rights activists and organizations designated as hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). The study is led by controversial figures, including Dr. Lisa Littman, Dr. Kenneth Zucker, and Dr. J. Michael Bailey, the latter known for his widely criticized views on transgender individuals.
Funding Sources and Dark Money Connections
The GDI's funding structure raises significant concerns. In 2024, nearly 90% of its funding came from two organizations: DonorsTrust, Inc. and the Santa Fe Boys Educational Foundation, which has since transitioned to the Santa Fe Boys Fund. DonorsTrust, often referred to as the right wing's "ATM for dark money," provided $100,000 of the GDI's $225,000 revenue for that year. This organization has been a principal funder of Project 2025, a Heritage Foundation initiative aimed at promoting anti-trans narratives and undermining gender-affirming care.
Criticism of Research and Affiliations
Critics argue that the GDI and AYAGDOS are part of a broader network of anti-trans pseudoscience that seeks to discredit established medical practices regarding transgender care. The GDI's leadership includes individuals frequently associated with anti-trans rhetoric, such as Anastassis Spiliadis and Stella O’Malley. Furthermore, the Santa Fe Boys Fund has sponsored events linked to hate groups, raising questions about the integrity of the research being conducted.
Official Statements and Responses
Dr. Lisa Littman, president of the GDI, stated that the organization operates independently from its funders, emphasizing that research decisions are made solely by the researchers. However, the GDI has not disclosed its donors, leading to skepticism about its claims of independence. Andrew Conru, a philanthropist who has funded some of the research, acknowledged the need for due diligence in funding controversial projects and expressed a desire to support balanced research on gender issues.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the GDI maintains that its research is evidence-based, critics highlight the lack of transparency regarding funding sources and the potential influence of dark money on the study's outcomes. The absence of detailed donor disclosures complicates the narrative surrounding the integrity of the research.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The vast majority of donations to GDI come from individuals,” — Dr. Lisa Littman, President of the Gender Dysphoria Institute
- “I do not want to fund anything that could possibly harm trans people.” — Andrew Conru, Philanthropist
- “Generally, support of anti-trans stuff, awareness around trans stuff, is mainly promoted by conservative groups,” — Dr. Paul Golding, Founder of the Santa Fe Boys Fund
Conclusion: Implications for Trans Rights and Research Integrity
The investigation into the GDI and AYAGDOS highlights the intersection of dark money and controversial research in the realm of gender dysphoria. As funding from organizations like DonorsTrust continues to shape narratives around transgender issues, the implications for both research integrity and the rights of transgender individuals remain significant. The ongoing discourse surrounding this topic underscores the need for transparency and accountability in research funding.
