LGBTQ group loses half its workers after Trump cuts

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The renowned LGBTQ+ advocacy organization Stonewall faces potential staff reductions of up to 50% following the suspension of U.S. foreign aid payments under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The organization, which currently employs 114 people, may need to implement significant workforce changes after losing crucial funding from American taxpayers, a consequence of Trump’s ‘America First’ policies.

Staff members were informed about an upcoming reorganization aimed at maintaining Stonewall’s influence as a key LGBTQ+ organization capable of driving meaningful change through campaigns and legislative initiatives across the United Kingdom and beyond, according to The Times of London.

Internal sources at the charity have indicated that this restructuring could lead to the departure of approximately half the workforce.

https://twitter.com/AjaTheEmpress/status/1893931094908494269

Financial records reveal that Stonewall received substantial support from U.S. taxpayers through the Global Equality Fund (GEF), a State Department initiative promoting LGBTI rights globally. The organization’s funding from this source increased progressively, beginning with £137,254 in 2021-22, rising to £204,442 in 2022-23, and reaching £233,583 in the following period, establishing the U.S. government as Stonewall’s primary financial supporter during this timeframe.

While the organization cites multiple factors behind its restructuring decision, chief executive Simon Blake acknowledged that Trump’s aid suspension would affect “programmes supporting LGBTQ+ communities around the world”.

Blake stated: “Stonewall’s work in eastern Europe and the Caucasus is enabled by many funders, including the US government, and supports communities and law enforcement agencies to respond to anti-LGBTQ+ violence, often providing vital services to victims.” He expressed the organization’s commitment to finding ways to minimize the impact of the U.S. government’s funding decision.

Foreign aid ought to be about helping developing and poorer nations improve basic infrastructure, making sure everyone has access to food, shelter, healthcare and education.

Not funding drag queens to sexualise children. https://t.co/dvk2X0JMVM

— Caroline Farrow (@CF_Farrow) February 24, 2025

Beyond American support, Stonewall has historically received millions in British government funding, even during Conservative party leadership. The organization gained prominence through its diversity training programs, advising various institutions on inclusive language and practices, such as recommending schools replace “boys and girls” with terms like “learners.”

However, recent years have seen mounting criticism of Stonewall’s increasingly progressive stance on gender issues, particularly regarding its approach to biological sex and gender identity. The organization also faced scrutiny for its strong advocacy of puberty blockers for young people.

This controversy led numerous prominent institutions, including the BBC, Royal College of Psychiatrists, Equality and Human Rights Commission, and Ofcom, to withdraw from Stonewall’s Diversity Champion program. Recent reports indicate that all major government departments have also ended their participation in this initiative.