Activists supporting activists: Building a global movement of care and solidarity.

I remember the first time I walked into an LGBTI+ activist space back home in Spain. I was young, idealistic, and ready to fight for justice, but I must admit it was also overwhelming. I didn’t yet know the unwritten rule of activism: you can’t pour from an empty cup. As an inexperienced activist, what kept me going in those early days of my own journey was the support of others who had walked this path before me—fellow activists who knew the toll this work takes and who showed me, through their care and encouragement, that none of us has to do this alone.

I frequently find myself reminded of that meeting, now in my capacities as Head of Programmes at Kaleidoscope Trust, where I have the incredible privilege of working with LGBTI+ activists and organisations from all over the world. What sets us apart is that many of us in the team are activists ourselves.

We don’t just support LGBTI+ organisations in the Global South and East with funding and capacity building—we bring to work our own lived experiences and an understanding of what it means to be in the trenches of the fight for our rights.

This isn’t just a job for me (for us)—it’s personal. I’ve spent almost 20 years working in human rights internationally, with nearly 15 of those dedicated to advancing LGBTI+ rights in many different country contexts. I began as a volunteer, fuelled by outrage at the discrimination people like me faced simply for being who they were. Over time, I moved into professional roles, driven by a desire to use my privilege to make life better for others. Same as every member of my team, I know the exhaustion of back-to-back meetings, the frustration of bureaucracy, and the heartbreak of setbacks. But also, and most importantly, we know the joy of small victories, the resilience of communities coming together, and the life-altering power of solidarity.

At Kaleidoscope Trust, we believe that activists are at their best when they are supported by others who truly understand their struggles.

That’s why our approach is built not just on providing funding but also on nurturing relationships grounded in trust, transparency, and accountability. We don’t see ourselves as distant benefactors but as partners, standing shoulder to shoulder with LGBTI+ organisations as they fight for change in some of the most challenging contexts in the world.

And let me tell you, one of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing how this approach creates ripple effects. When we provide a grant, it’s not just about numbers and deliverables; it’s about saying, “We see you. We value what you’re doing. How can we support you to thrive?” It’s engaging and immersing with our partners and really getting into the thick of things. Similarly, our capacity-building initiatives are not one-size-fits-all. They are tailored to the realities of the organisations we partner with, focusing on their specific strengths and challenges. Fronting our principles through practice and actual participation. This is activism supporting activism, and it’s how movements grow stronger.

The LGBTI+ movement is made up of countless unsung heroes: people who work tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to create a world where everyone can live with dignity and freedom. 

Their courage inspires me every day. But courage alone isn’t enough. Activists need resources, training, and, above all, a support system that understands their challenges. Here at Kaleidoscope Trust, we’re committed to exactly that.

Over the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of designing our programmatic approach, ensuring it’s responsive to the needs of the communities we serve. Whether it’s through tailored technical assistance or flexible funding, our goal is always the same: to empower activists to lead their own struggles and to do so sustainably. This work isn’t always easy, but it’s deeply fulfilling. Every time I hear from a partner about how our support has made a difference, I’m reminded of why I chose this path. And every time I see activists lifting each other up—sharing strategies, celebrating wins, or simply being there for one another—I feel hopeful about the future.

As we continue to grow and evolve in this ever-changing world throwing new and old challenges for LGBTI+ people, my hope is that more organisations will embrace this model of “activism supporting activism”. It’s not just about achieving immediate goals but about building a movement that’s resilient, inclusive, and rooted in care.

Because at the end of the day, the fight for human rights is not just about what we achieve—it’s about how we get there and who we bring along the way.

For those reading this who are activists themselves: know that you are not alone. For those who support activists: remember the power of listening, learning, and showing up.

And for all of us: let’s keep building a world where no one has to walk this path alone.