Standing in solidarity, building for the future

Across the world, we are seeing a convergence of pressures on our movement: shrinking funding, weakening political support, and increasingly coordinated attacks from anti-rights actors. The narratives may differ by country, but their intent is consistent.

Kaleidoscope Trust is not immune to these pressures. Like many organisations, we are navigating funding uncertainty alongside a more complex and contested political context. 

Over recent months, we have been through one of the most difficult periods in Kaleidoscope Trust’s history. We took a step back to look closely at how we’re structured – across every role and responsibility – to make sure we can meet this moment and that we can do so sustainably. 

Going forward, we will be a smaller organisation. We will be saying goodbye to colleagues who have made a significant contribution to our work and whose impact has been felt across the movement. 

While this process was necessary, the cost has been significant – a mixture of uncertainty, anger, and grief. When the stakes are high, the emotions are too.

To lead an organisation driven by shared values and purpose is a privilege. But the weight of that responsibility, particularly in moments like this, is real. I have been part of similar processes in previous roles, but this was my first time navigating it as a CEO – holding responsibility for decisions that directly affect people, their families, and a mission I care deeply about.

I have studied organisational change and understand the theory. But the reality of leading a charity through transformation – grounded in the belief that a stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable organisation is possible – was something I was not fully prepared for. It has been the toughest months of my professional life, and undoubtedly for my team too, who have handled months of uncertainty with dignity and professionalism.

I share this not for personal sympathy, but because I know I am not alone. Many leaders and teams across our movement are facing similar decisions and carrying similar burdens. Throughout this process, people have told me that if I didn’t feel the weight of it, that would be the real concern. They are right. But that did not make it easier.

While our team changes, our mission remains the same: to support and stand alongside those advancing LGBTI+ rights globally. If anything, this moment has reinforced just how urgent that mission is. We will continue to influence those in power, support LGBTI+ organisations in their advocacy, and show up as an active, engaged partner in the coalitions and networks we are part of.

In the past year, we have seen what meaningful solidarity can achieve. From delivering Rapid Response Grants to launching the Global LGBTI+ Commission, we have worked alongside partners to respond to immediate threats while also strengthening the foundations for longer-term change. I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to do.

Solidarity must be more than words. In a crisis, it must be real and show up on time. But it also requires making difficult decisions – choices that prioritise the long-term strength and resilience of the movement, even when they are challenging in the moment.

That is what this transition is about.

The changes we are making are not simply a response to funding reductions. This is a moment to reset – clarifying our role in the movement, strengthening how we deliver our work, and coming together around a shared strategy and culture. As we face an unprecedented wave of attacks from the anti-rights movement, our job will be to support activists, organisations and movements respond – and to win again.

There is work ahead and we are ready for it.

Since joining KT, I’ve often heard from global partners that what stands out is not just what we do, but how we do it: that we work alongside, not above. With, not for. The thought of losing this has been one of the things keeping me awake at night. Our structure changes, our strategy tightens, but our values will be consistent.

We do not take your trust and belief for granted. 

As spring arrives in the UK, it marks a moment of renewal. What has brought us to this point will not necessarily carry us forward, but we take our history as a starting point and build upon it. 

Our organisation is changing, but our commitment to advancing LGBTI+ rights globally is unwavering.