Taking Action in Uncertain Times

On January 20th, hours after taking office, President Trump issued a 90-day pause on all U.S. foreign development assistance programs under the pretext of conducting a comprehensive review. Since being established by President Kennedy through a 1961 executive order, USAID has been a cornerstone of global development. But, with the stroke of a pen, $40 billion in annual aid and a workforce of over 10,000 – the majority of which were working overseas on the frontlines – has been abruptly discontinued. I am aware that, as a UK based organisation which has never received USAID funding, we have been sheltered from the direct consequences of this appalling decision. Many of the partners we support have not been so fortunate.

While legal challenges are underway, the USAID website went dark earlier this month, and for all practical purposes, we must acknowledge and confront the realities of this new international order. International development has always been susceptible to geopolitical shifts, but we cannot overstate the precarious situation this has created for many of the world’s most vulnerable communities. All institutions benefit from review, evolution, and, when necessary, modernisation. We, along with many in the international community, recognise that aspects of international development programming could benefit from thoughtful and judicial external review.

However, I am unequivocal in my belief that this is not what happened here and I share the horror of many who are witnessing the impact of this callous decision on people’s lives.

That being said, words, no matter how well-intentioned, can feel empty and superficial when they are not accompanied by actions. At this critical time, Kaleidoscope Trust has secured additional funding from FCDO to help sustain our partners through the immediate aftermath of the USAID cuts. You can read more about this vital support here. 

The global LGBTI+ community was already in a precarious position, but now more than ever, it is imperative that we protect and uphold our humanity. We will continue to collaborate with our partners and donor governments as the impact of USAID cuts unravels, and the longer-term needs of the movement are clearer. We will do so with purpose, in alignment with our values, and in recognition of our role in the global movement. 

While there are no guarantees for the future, we must hold on to our hope and resilience. These are not the first dark times our community has faced, and I believe we have the strength to keep fighting for the universal rights we are all entitled to. 

We must rise to this challenge. At Kaleidoscope Trust, this will mean seeing the world clearly as it now is and reorienting our work and strategy in response. This won’t be easy, but it is essential. 

Fighting for our right to live free, safe, and equal lives is a battle we refuse to lose.