US funding cuts threaten global LGBTIQ+ organizations

A report by Outright International titled ‘Breaking Point: The Urgent Need to Invest in Global LGBTQ Movements’ reveals that nearly half of surveyed LGBTIQ+ organizations are at risk of closure due to significant funding reductions. The study, which surveyed 229 organizations across 94 countries, found that nine out of ten groups have experienced funding suspensions, reductions, or total losses since 2025.

The report attributes much of this financial instability to US government policy changes following the inauguration of President Donald Trump. An executive order froze US aid funding, leading to the dismantling of USAID and drastic cuts to programs such as PEPFAR and the Global Equality Fund. These cuts have disproportionately affected vulnerable communities, particularly impacting access to HIV prevention and treatment services.

According to the findings, 49% of the surveyed organizations lost more than half of their total budget, and 75% reported losing more than a quarter. The impact has been most severe in regions where legal and public services already fail LGBTIQ+ populations. The report notes that across four continents, shelters and safe houses have been forced to shut down, and advocacy groups have been unable to provide essential safety training.