Reduction in US aid to ILGA-Asia

A Historic Gathering for LGBTQIA Rights in Asia

The annual ILGA-Asia conference took place last week in Kathmandu, Nepal, marking the largest LGBTQIA event ever held in the country. Bringing together over 600 participants from across Asia and beyond, the gathering provided activists with a platform to coordinate and exchange strategies for advancing LGBTQIA rights and living conditions in the region. However, the event unfolded amid a backdrop of reduced US financial support for global health and human rights, a shift that could significantly impact LGBTQIA movements in Asia.

A Conference Focused on Inclusion and Social Justice

Held from February 24 to 28 under the theme “Dynamics of Diversity: Uniting for a Just, Inclusive, and Sustainable Asia”, the conference was co-hosted by ILGA-Asia and the Blue Diamond Society (BDS), Nepal’s leading LGBTQIA rights organization. According to ILGA-Asia, the event aimed to deepen discussions on major issues, including humanitarian crises affecting LGBTQIA individuals, the evolution of marriage equality movements in Asia, and the importance of intersectional advocacy for overall human rights progress.

Nepal: A Model for the Region

Manisha Dhakal, Executive Director of BDS, emphasized Nepal’s crucial role in shaping regional LGBTQIA policies. “Love is the foundation of our identities and movements. This conference has shown that love is a force for justice and positive change. Nepal’s progress in LGBTQIA+ rights should inspire other countries to follow suit,” she told the Kathmandu Post.

During the opening session on February 26, Nepal’s Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving sexual and gender minority rights. “Everyone has the right to express their own identity and sexual orientation, to be free from discrimination and violence, and to achieve equality,” he stated.

Victories and Ongoing Challenges in Asia

The conference highlighted recent achievements in several Asian countries, such as Thailand’s recognition of same-sex marriage, Taiwan’s legalization of marriage for same-sex couples, and Nepal’s progress on transgender rights. However, other nations in the region continue to face increasing repression.

“This conference is not just about challenges. It is a statement. A promise. A resistance. It is about possibilities. About what we can build when we are diverse, dynamic, and united,” said Henry Koh, Executive Director of ILGA-Asia.

Criticism Over Resource Allocation

Despite its success, the event was not without controversy. Sunil Babu Pant, founder of the Blue Diamond Society and Nepal’s first openly gay parliamentarian, raised concerns about hosting such a large-scale conference amid US budget cuts. He questioned whether mobilizing resources for a major gathering was more beneficial than directly funding local initiatives for LGBTQIA communities.

“The potential impact of funding 200 small community groups instead of a single large conference deserves careful consideration. Activists, donors, and organizers must ensure the best use of resources and guarantee that support reaches those most in need,” Pant told the RSS news agency.

He also highlighted the reliance of many Asian LGBTQIA NGOs on foreign funding, particularly from the US. “While we must work toward long-term local solutions, there will be immediate and short-term challenges in sustaining various movements until we establish sustainable local support systems,” he warned.

Balancing Visibility and Direct Support

The ILGA-Asia conference successfully enhanced the visibility of the LGBTQIA movement in Asia and fostered collaboration among activists and policymakers. However, the allocation of resources remains a key concern, especially as international funding declines. The future of LGBTQIA advocacy in Asia will depend on the ability of local and international actors to balance visibility efforts with tangible support for the most vulnerable communities.