India’s inaugural transgender healthcare center, the Mitr Clinic in Hyderabad, has ceased operations following a directive from former US President Donald Trump, which instituted a 90-day freeze on all foreign assistance through USAID.
The clinic was compelled to close its doors after Project ACCELERATE, the non-profit organization under which it functioned, was adversely affected by Trump’s executive order that suspended all funding.
The United States has drastically reduced its multi-year aid contracts by 92 percent, aiming to achieve approximately $60 billion in savings from development and international humanitarian initiatives. USAID is responsible for distributing US humanitarian aid globally, supporting health and emergency programs in around 120 nations.
About Mitr Clinic
Mitr Clinic operated as a holistic support center, offering complimentary services such as general health consultations, HIV counseling and testing, treatment for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, mental health care, gender affirmation services, and assistance in navigating legal and social protection programs.
Inaugurated in 2021, this pioneering clinic’s success led to the establishment of two additional clinics in Pune and Thane. However, it remains uncertain whether these clinics will be able to remain operational in light of the funding freeze imposed by Trump.
By January 2025, the Hyderabad clinic employed a team of seven transgender staff members and catered to 150–200 LGBTQIA+ individuals each month, as reported by The Hindu. Its sudden closure has not only resulted in job losses for the employees but has also deprived a marginalized community of essential healthcare services.
Musk’s Response
In response to the closure of the Mitr Clinic, Elon Musk remarked, “That’s what American tax dollars were funding.”
