“It’s the value of data collection and storytelling. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the data and stories we gathered created huge empathy and visibility. That’s why we are here, you don’t need to be a scientist to collect stories that matter. It’s also a way of archiving a moment in time…This gives us a community-generated record we can look back on and learn from…If we use this information ourselves, especially to strengthen ties with our communities, that is our biggest advantage.”
Midnight, Executive Director, APCOM, Thailand
The abrupt suspension of USAID funding in early 2025 has had devastating effects on LGBTI+ civil society organisations globally. While the broader impacts across global society are still being determined, among the 43 organisations surveyed by Kaleidoscope Trust (KT) in the immediate aftermath, 29 experienced direct impacts, resulting in approximately USD $8.67 million in losses. Financial damages ranged from minor to existential, with several organisations reporting income losses of over 50% and risking closure.
Critically, these aid cuts dismantled much needed health services, mental health support, legal aid, and safe spaces for LGBTI+ individuals around the world. The resulting increased vulnerability led to heightened violence, security threats, discrimination, and economic precarity, particularly in Africa and the Pacific – regions
In the wake of widespread funding cuts from the dismantling of USAID, LGBTI+ programmes have been scaled down and, in many cases, completely shut down. This has led to rapid, adverse outcomes for LGBTI+ individuals, communities, and civil society organisations. In response to this crisis, Kaleidoscope Trust (KT) secured emergency funding from the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which was made available to any of our 140 partners directly or indirectly affected by the cuts. Particular consideration was given to organisations most affected– including at highest risk of collapse– as well as those serving multiply marginalised LGBTI+ populations.
APCOM was one of the nearly thirty voices that went into the global report:
Impact Analysis of the USAID Freeze on LGBTI+ Organisations
