DEIA and the NEA

Just a couple notes before the post: My flash horror went live on Stygian Lepus. Please be aware that it's quite a dark piece. 

Also, I made a video on my YouTube channel recently about things said to me as a disabled woman. Forgive my nerves.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is caught in a difficult position thanks to Donald Trump's executive orders against diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives. The NEA has already axed its Challenge America program, which gave small amounts of funding to underserved communities and groups. Though they say individuals and organizations from those backgrounds are still able to apply for funding... it looks a bit tenuous.

No project or proposal can deal with "gender ideology" and qualify. I know this term is used to "weed out the woke and/or trans folks," but I'm confused. If you believe there are only two sexes and genders that match from birth, that's an ideology. If you believe a holy being created men and women to be complementary to each other... that's an ideology. Is the NEA going to make sure there are no creative programs run by TERFs looking to further their agenda?

What else constitutes a DEIA proposal? Is a program automatically disqualified if it's run by a Black woman? If a program requests funding for a music program taking place in a Boys and Girls Club that has more disabled kids than average in attendance, does that mean DEIA strikes again? How do we tell? Is there going to be another committee to oversee choices? Or is the NEA going to be so scared of getting it wrong, they won't even consider certain people or projects? 

A group of artists is imploring the NEA to change course, but I don't think it will. The purse strings are too easily cut. Playing ball will at least ensure some programs get funded... even if merit isn't necessarily a priority.