Defunding equality: The global impact of aid cuts on trans rights and the path forward

Join Trans Advocacy Week partners for an analysis of the impact of funding cuts and explore actionable solutions to mitigate their effects and advance trans rights and democracy for all. The 59th UN Human Rights Council side event will be followed by a reception at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva.

Date: Tuesday, 17 June 2025
Time: 16:00-17:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST), followed by drinks 17:00-18:30 Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Location: Room XXV, Palais des Nations, UN Geneva
Language: English

Recent global funding cuts have had severe consequences for gender equality and LGBTQI+ people’s rights. Already on the back foot due to decades of underinvestment and deprioritisation, these cuts disproportionately impact trans movements by eliminating crucial funding for healthcare and human rights advocacy.

This reduction in support comes amid a broader wave of democratic backsliding, where trans rights and issues have become a focal point for anti-gender movements to push against human rights in their wider effort to reinstate anti-democratic political systems.

Despite these setbacks, governments, donors, and civil society have an opportunity to respond strategically, ensuring trans people’s rights remain at the forefront of global human rights discussions. As trans and gender diverse people are at the centre of anti-democratic attacks, we are best positioned to provide solutions and defend democracy.

This side event will analyse the impact of these funding cuts and explore actionable solutions to mitigate their effects and advance human rights and democracy for all.