- Conference
- 2025 National LGBT+ Conference
- Date
- 23 July 2025
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes with concern the recent drastic cuts to foreign aid and the devastating impact on communities at risk and civil society.
Since 2024, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, Germany and France have announced significant cuts to foreign aid spending.
The most recent research (2021/22) by GPP (Global Philanthropy Project) highlights that private philanthropy and governments gave $905 million to groups supporting LGBT+ people around the world. Of that, 20 foundations gave $522 million, and 16 governments and multilateral donors gave $175 million; the largest funder being the Netherlands. Before this year’s dramatic funding freeze and subsequent cuts, the United States Agency for International Development increased funding of programs for LGBT+ communities abroad from $6 million in 2021 to $25 million in 2024.
The importance of foreign aid cannot be understated. Many LGBT+ organisations cannot fundraise locally because of discriminatory laws or entrenched societal stigma. With specific defunding of work supporting LGBT+ people, organisations are losing funding at the exact moment that our communities are facing an upsurge in harmful political rhetoric, disinformation and global hostility against equality, diversity and inclusion programs.
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) World, Stonewall, Outright International and the United Nations have already highlighted some consequences of the cuts including widespread restructuring, staff cuts and closures, the end of vital lifesaving programs such as homeless shelters, HIV programs or support services, and increasing violence and discrimination. These cuts also disproportionately impact LGBT+ communities in the Global South, and trans people by removing essential funding for healthcare and human rights advocacy.
In anticipation, GPP launched the Fund Our Futures campaign in 2024, to raise money for LGBT+ organisations around the world, securing more than $100 million by November 2024 to award over the next 3-5 years. All Out also responded to some of the direst emergencies facing grassroots organisations by granting over $400,000.
Both are examples of what can be achieved when we are united in our response and, as attacks on our communities rise, we must utilise the strengths and assets of our community to defend our hard-won rights and build the collective power of LGBT+ people worldwide.
Conference calls on the National LGBT+ Committee to:
1)Work with the National Executive Council International Committee and Labour Link to advocate for reversal of cuts or targeted increases to foreign aid, highlighting the impact of cuts on marginalised communities worldwide.
2)Raise broader awareness amongst members of the impact of cuts to foreign aid on LGBT+ communities, whilst continuing to promote the importance of an internationalist perspective in the work we do.
3)Seek opportunities for dialogue, solidarity, and partnership with global organisations committed to continued advancement of LGBT+ rights, sharing best practice, campaign strategies and building powerful coalitions of support.
4)Continue to work with ILGA World and ILGA Europe and keep encouraging UNISON members and regional LGBT+ Self-organised Groups to support their work.