Funding Our Freedom: The Future of LGBTIQ Equality

Impact of Recent U.S. Foreign Aid Policy Changes on LGBTIQ Global Initiatives

On January 20, 2025, a new Executive Order titled Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid was issued by the incoming U.S. administration, initiating a 90-day review of all foreign assistance. As part of this process, a temporary funding freeze was enacted across all international aid streams, followed by administrative actions that significantly restructured U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs.

While the intent of the review was positioned as a reassessment of U.S. foreign aid priorities, its immediate implementation had widespread and deeply disruptive consequences. The imposition of a “stop-work order” halted numerous ongoing initiatives, including critical global health programs such as PEPFAR. A substantial number of USAID grants were terminated, reportedly impacting over 80% of global health-related awards and leading to significant financial instability for implementing partners. Staffing cuts and program cancellations were widespread.

These changes have had a particularly acute impact on LGBTIQ organizations worldwide. Many grassroots groups—already operating under fragile conditions—found their life-saving health and safety services abruptly halted. Advocacy efforts were silenced, and numerous organizations were forced to cease operations.

The GlobalGiving Community Answered Our Call
To our incredible GlobalGiving supporters, thank you. In a moment of deep uncertainty and loss for LGBTIQ communities around the world, you answered our call. When devastating funding cuts threatened to silence advocacy, halt health services, and close the doors of grassroots organizations, you stepped in. Your generosity has made it possible for Outright International to begin to deliver emergency support where it’s needed most — helping ensure that our movement not only survives but continues to rise. We are profoundly grateful for your solidarity. In this challenging time, your gift is more than a donation — it is an act of courage, compassion, and hope.

Outright’s Work & Impact To Date

Outright International responded swiftly by mobilizing emergency support for affected partners. Through urgent grantmaking and crisis funding, we have been working to preserve the infrastructure and capacity of the global LGBTIQ movement during this challenging period. In February 2025, Outright announced a $500,000 injection of resources into the global movement, focusing on supporting key movement organizations in the global South and East, where resources are thinnest. In June 2025, Outright announced another investment of $500,000 into the movement. Outright is in the process of establishing grantmaking mechanisms to administer grants to applicants and grantees, which will continue through 2025 and beyond.

In addition, Outright is beginning to develop a follow up report on the impact of the funding cuts on the global LGBTIQ movement, as a companion report to Defunding Freedom – Impacts of U.S. Foreign Aid Cuts on LGBTIQ People Worldwide, published in February 2025. The data we amass is instrumental in informing not only need and grantmaking responses, but to our advocacy with partners and the local, regional and international levels, including at the United Nations and World Bank.

Continued donor support is vital to ensuring the survival and resilience of these communities in the face of unprecedented disruption.

Addition Ways To Support Outright & The Global Movement
Outright International offers a variety of meaningful ways for donors and supporters to engage beyond direct financial contributions. These opportunities allow individuals and organizations to actively participate in advancing LGBTIQ rights globally.

1. Participate in Outright Proud Initiatives

• Share Your Story: Contribute personal narratives to the Outright Proud campaign, highlighting experiences and challenges within the LGBTIQ community.
• Social Media Advocacy: Amplify Outright’s mission by sharing content and calls to action on various platforms. Twitter: @OutrightIntl  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outrightintl 
•  For more information and to get involved, visit: https://outrightinternational.org/outright-proud-2025
  
  

2. Organize Internal Fundraisers

• Workplace Campaigns: Initiate internal events or challenges to raise awareness and funds within your organization.
• Employer Matching: Leverage employer matching gift programs to double the impact of donations.
  
  

3. Corporate Engagement

• Educational Workshops: Host presentations on topics like “The State of the Global LGBTIQ Movement”.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with Outright to develop programs that align with corporate social responsibility goals.
  
  

4. Attend Signature Events

• Bimonthly webinars: Join Outright for monthly webinars, including on June 26, 2025, at 11am ET for “Show Up With No Shame:” Pride Around the World in 2024, which traces and analyses the evolution of Pride and other LGBTIQ visibility events globally. Register for free here: https://outrightinternational-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_D4DIOrxpTDOuqm_ZbSGXDA#/registration.  
• OutSummit Conference: Participate in this annual hybrid conference to engage in discussions and strategies for advancing LGBTIQ rights.
• Celebration of Courage: Join the annual awards and gala event in early June in NYC to honor activists and support Outright’s initiatives. 
• Check out events here: https://outrightinternational.org/take-action/events
  
  

5. Volunteer and Advocate

• Advocacy Week: Volunteer with Outright’s Advocacy Week in March to support global activists to connect with UN agencies and promote LGBTIQ rights on an international stage. 
• Community Outreach: Participate in local and global initiatives to raise awareness and support for global LGBTIQ issues.
• Sign up to newsletters to learn about opportunities: https://outrightinternational.org/sign-newsletter