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In the Commonwealth, the pursuit of equality for LGBTI+ individuals remains a critical, yet increasingly precarious, endeavour. Despite substantial progress, with some countries embracing equality more fully, there are still 29 nations within the Commonwealth where same-sex relationships are criminalised, and many others where LGBTI+ rights remain tenuous. For the millions of people affected by such laws, advocacy efforts are not just important: they can represent the fine line between life and death.
At Kaleidoscope Trust, we dedicate ourselves to securing human rights for LGBTI+ individuals across the Commonwealth and beyond, from supporting grassroots organisations to influencing policy and supporting marginalised voices. However, our work, like that of countless other civil society organisations, is sustained by one pivotal factor: funding. It’s not just about having resources but about ensuring that resources are committed in a way that’s sustainable and reflects the needs of those most affected. Failing to do so risks tokenising a movement and undermining the efforts of those working to create lasting change.
In recent years, the challenges we face have only increased. Economic upheavals, compounded by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent cost of living crisis, have changed the funding landscape dramatically. For LGBTI+ advocates, this change is particularly stark. Many of us have had to contend with austerity-driven cuts, geopolitical shifts, and a rise in organised, well-funded anti-LGBTI+ movements that seek to strip away the hard-won rights of vulnerable individuals. And this is all before the impact of a Trump presidency is known and felt, along with many other government changes around the world.
To combat the effects of these organised anti-LGBTI+ efforts, we need to mobilise resources that bolster resilience among the many advocacy groups we support. This includes strengthening local civil society organisations, enabling them to continue their vital work despite restrictions and even outright hostility from governments influenced by anti-rights rhetoric.
Kaleidoscope Trust and our partners operate in a delicate ecosystem, where our efforts to support LGBTI+ rights must be grounded in sustainability and resilience. Short-term or restrictive funding only hampers our ability to make meaningful progress. That’s why we call on governments, funding organisations, and policymakers to prioritise sustainable investment in LGBTI+ rights, especially within regions like the Commonwealth, where the impact of these resources is both urgently needed and deeply felt. That’s why continued investment, such as our long-term partners like the UK, Australia, and Canada, are so important and appreciated.
When it comes to advocacy, funding must not only be plentiful but also fair. Too often, LGBTI+ organisations find themselves fighting for the same limited resources under restrictive, one-size-fits-all conditions. This undermines the impact of our work and perpetuates cycles of inequality.
We believe inclusive funding mechanisms are key. Funders must adopt transparent and equitable allocation criteria, prioritising resources for organisations that serve the most marginalised and vulnerable. This also means involving LGBTI+ organisations in co-designing funding strategies—listening to and partnering with those who understand the complex realities faced by their communities.
One of our core principles is that funding should come with a commitment to foster collaboration, creating a foundation where governments, civil society, and funding entities can work together. Such a collaborative ecosystem enables meaningful, community-informed progress that addresses root causes and builds resilience against opposition. The funds should empower organisations to challenge oppressive systems, and they should ensure that those doing the work have the support to do so effectively.
The future of LGBTI+ advocacy depends on our collective commitment to sustainable investment. Governments, funding bodies, and policymakers must adopt an inclusive, multifaceted approach to supporting LGBTI+ rights. This means establishing funding mechanisms that prioritise marginalised voices, creating transparent criteria that prevent tokenism, and fostering strategic collaboration to make funding effective for long-term impact. This isn’t just good policy; it’s a moral imperative.
Our vision is clear: a Commonwealth in which every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is treated with dignity and respect.
By investing sustainably in this vision, we can build an inclusive future and ensure that advocacy organisations like Kaleidoscope Trust, alongside our partners, are empowered to create lasting change. Together, we can make strides towards a world where LGBTI+ individuals live free, safe, and equal lives.
Alex Farrow is the CEO of Kaleidoscope Trust, a leading UK-based charity that works to uphold the human rights of LGBTI+ people across the Commonwealth.
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The pressing LGBTI+ human rights challenges of our day can only be solved through collaboration, whether that be with grassroots or international human rights organisations, governments and funding bodies – and people that really care, like you.
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