FLOW FORWARD: Uniting Our Region

On March 27, 2025, ILGA-NAC hosted our first members’ and allies quarterly online meeting. In keeping  with our 2025-2029 Strategic priorities, Flow Forward: Uniting Our Region, brought together ILGA-NAC members, other 2SLGBTQIA+ advocates, and community leaders to discuss the deleterious impact of recent U.S. funding cuts on 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

In addition to garnering more information and gaining a better understanding of what has transpired in Canada, the Caribbean and the United States since January 24th, we also learnt about the resultant impact from our Pan African counterpart. These include, program closures, a reduction in services, increased 2SLGBTQIA+ vulnerability, a growing anti-trans narrative as well as strengthened anti-LGBTQ+ opposition. In addition to challenges, panelists also shared strategies for resilience and collective action.

The conversation touched on the broader context of U.S. policy shifts affecting Canadian organizations. Some groups, such as EGALE Canada, have taken a stance against traveling to or spending budgets in the U.S. Additionally, uncertainty surrounding Canada’s contributions to the Global Equality Fund raised further concerns about future support for 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations.

Maria Sjödin, Executive Director of Outright International, shared key findings of their recently completed Defunding Freedom – Impacts of U.S. Foreign Aid Cuts on LGBTIQ People Worldwide report. They highlighted the devastating consequences of the funding freeze/cuts on frontline organizations working to safeguard the dignity, safety, and rights of LGBTIQ people. Survey respondents identified layoffs, program suspensions, and heightened risks of violence and exclusion among the deleterious consequences.

Nadia Swanson, Director of Technical Assistance and Advocacy at The Ali Forney Center (AFC) which provides services to unhoused youth in New York City, shared their experience of living under constant fear of losing federal funding. The anxiety of rapid responses to hostile policies has left many organizations struggling to maintain their work and well-being.

Strategies for Resistance and Resilience

Despite the grim outlook, panelists shared strategic approaches to mitigate the impact of the current uncertainty:

Now we basically have to start from scratch. We have to start rethinking how we are organizing, start rethinking how we exist in this world.

Anthony Olouch, Programmes Manager for Pan Africa ILGA

“Now we basically have to start from scratch. We have to start rethinking how we are organizing, start rethinking how we exist in this world.” shared Anthony Olouch, Programmes Manager for Pan Africa ILGA.

Another suggestion put forward was to refocus on litigation and utilize the legal  system to challenge discriminatory laws and policies. Kim Vance-Mubanga, Director of Programs and Partnerships at EGALE Canada and ILGA-NAC board member, stated: “Our victories in Canada did not come from the goodwill of politicians. They came from being forced to abide by constitutional protections through the courts.”

The importance of solidarity and collective action was emphasized by Maria Sjödin: “I think the only place where I gather hope these days is when I’m in community with other people… we are the answer to what is wrong.”

“I think the only place where I gather hope these days is when I’m in community with other people… we are the answer to what is wrong.”

Maria Sjödin, Executive Director of Outright International

Karen Lloyd, head of the IDEA Research Centre at Equality Jamaica, called for strengthening alliances to pool resources and sustain advocacy efforts. She also stressed the importance of political mapping to understand the opposition and develop targeted counter-strategies.

Other strategic approaches discussed during the session included:

• Economic Empowerment – Increasing economic literacy and community education to build financial resilience.
  
• Narrative Shaping – Amplifying positive stories of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals to counter misinformation and negative discourse.
  

Julia Ehrt, Executive Director of ILGA World, shared concerns of funding cuts from more governments across the world while providing an overview of the current global landscape (read the joint statement by ILGA World, Pan Africa ILGA, ILGA Asia, ILGA-Europe, ILGA-NAC, ILGA Oceania, and ILGALAC). 

Julia emphasized the need for unity in the face of growing external threats:

“We need to meet each other with grace and kindness, and also with the understanding that resources are even smaller than before. Sometimes that means the money goes to our neighbor rather than ourselves in order to save our neighbor.”

We need to meet each other with grace and kindness, and also with the understanding that resources are even smaller than before. Sometimes that means the money goes to our neighbor rather than ourselves in order to save our neighbor.

Julia Ehrt, Executive Director of ILGA World

A Call for Solidarity and Action

The discussion exceeded the original ninety minutes, evidence that folks had a great deal to share. We wrapped up with a powerful message of hope and solidarity. Panelists urged the ILGA-NAC community and allies to stay united, learn from history, and continue fighting for progress. They reminded participants that while the challenges are immense, so too is the strength of the global 2SLGBTQIA+ movement. By working together, leveraging resources, and supporting one another, advocates can push forward despite the obstacles.

The Flow Forward discussion reaffirmed the power of collective action, emphasizing that every voice, effort, and partnership contributes to the ongoing fight for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights worldwide.

We look forward to seeing you at our Q2 chat.