U.S. Funding Cuts Threaten Global LGBTQ Movement
Report highlights how U.S. funding cuts have jeopardized international LGBTQ organizations.
2 min read
A recent report by Outright International reveals that U.S. funding cuts have significantly impacted the global LGBTQ movement, leaving many organizations financially unstable. Since early 2025, nearly half of the more than 200 organizations surveyed have lost over half their budgets, with only 3% describing themselves as financially stable. Over a third may face closure, according to the report.
Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy
The decline in U.S. support for international LGBTQ advocacy began during President Donald Trump’s second term. The closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the cutting of the Global Equality Fund, and the narrowing of the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) have all contributed to this shift. The report emphasizes how critical U.S. taxpayer funding has been to sustaining the movement.
Global Reliance on U.S. Funding
While Western European countries also fund LGBTQ groups in the global South, the extent of dependence on U.S. support is striking. Many overseas-based organizations have relied heavily on U.S. government assistance, highlighting the unique role of the U.S. in this movement.
Public Opinion and Policy Priorities
Public opinion in the U.S. has shifted against the excesses of gender ideology. A 2024 Pew Research poll found that Americans prioritize national security, stopping illegal drug flows, and reducing infectious disease spread. These priorities contrast with the focus on LGBTQ advocacy, which has seen declining support.
Global Influence and Challenges
Despite the U.S. funding cuts, the global LGBTQ movement has maintained a strong presence at international forums like the U.N. However, the majority of recommendations on LGBTQ issues in the Universal Periodic Review come from Western European and Latin American countries, with little input from other regions.
Artificial Inflation of Advocacy
The report suggests that the global LGBTQ movement has been artificially inflated by U.S. funding, creating a neocolonial form of activism. Without sustained government support, the movement faces significant challenges in maintaining its influence and reach.
Source: Daily Wire
