kadence domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/admin/public_html/mosquemake.co.uk/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121I frequently find myself reminded of that meeting, now in my capacities as Head of Programmes at Kaleidoscope Trust, where I have the incredible privilege of working with LGBTI+ activists and organisations from all over the world. What sets us apart is that many of us in the team are activists ourselves.
attending the Third Pacific Human Rights Conference, 2024
This isn’t just a job for me (for us)—it’s personal. I’ve spent almost 20 years working in human rights internationally, with nearly 15 of those dedicated to advancing LGBTI+ rights in many different country contexts. I began as a volunteer, fuelled by outrage at the discrimination people like me faced simply for being who they were. Over time, I moved into professional roles, driven by a desire to use my privilege to make life better for others. Same as every member of my team, I know the exhaustion of back-to-back meetings, the frustration of bureaucracy, and the heartbreak of setbacks. But also, and most importantly, we know the joy of small victories, the resilience of communities coming together, and the life-altering power of solidarity.
That’s why our approach is built not just on providing funding but also on nurturing relationships grounded in trust, transparency, and accountability. We don’t see ourselves as distant benefactors but as partners, standing shoulder to shoulder with LGBTI+ organisations as they fight for change in some of the most challenging contexts in the world.
And let me tell you, one of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing how this approach creates ripple effects. When we provide a grant, it’s not just about numbers and deliverables; it’s about saying, “We see you. We value what you’re doing. How can we support you to thrive?” It’s engaging and immersing with our partners and really getting into the thick of things. Similarly, our capacity-building initiatives are not one-size-fits-all. They are tailored to the realities of the organisations we partner with, focusing on their specific strengths and challenges. Fronting our principles through practice and actual participation. This is activism supporting activism, and it’s how movements grow stronger.
meeting Botswana-based organisation LEGABIBO and regional Community Organisers, Leaders and Activators
Their courage inspires me every day. But courage alone isn’t enough. Activists need resources, training, and, above all, a support system that understands their challenges. Here at Kaleidoscope Trust, we’re committed to exactly that.
Over the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of designing our programmatic approach, ensuring it’s responsive to the needs of the communities we serve. Whether it’s through tailored technical assistance or flexible funding, our goal is always the same: to empower activists to lead their own struggles and to do so sustainably. This work isn’t always easy, but it’s deeply fulfilling. Every time I hear from a partner about how our support has made a difference, I’m reminded of why I chose this path. And every time I see activists lifting each other up—sharing strategies, celebrating wins, or simply being there for one another—I feel hopeful about the future.
supporting our Malaysian partner organisation, Pertubuhan Pembangunan Kebajikan Dan Persekitaran Positif Malaysia (SEED)
As we continue to grow and evolve in this ever-changing world throwing new and old challenges for LGBTI+ people, my hope is that more organisations will embrace this model of “activism supporting activism”. It’s not just about achieving immediate goals but about building a movement that’s resilient, inclusive, and rooted in care.
For those reading this who are activists themselves: know that you are not alone. For those who support activists: remember the power of listening, learning, and showing up.
And for all of us: let’s keep building a world where no one has to walk this path alone.
The pressing LGBTI+ human rights challenges of our day can only be solved through collaboration, whether that be with grassroots or international human rights organisations, governments and funding bodies – and people that really care, like you.
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Participating in spaces like this conference are an important reminder of how valuable opportunities to come together as a movement are. They serve as spaces for solidarity and movement building and help us activists and our allies build our resilience and plan together for the future. This is especially important at a time when, globally, far-right populists are gaining power and LGBTI+ communities and our rights are being used for political gain and are under attack.
Over the past few days, we’ve heard from brave individuals from all over the world fighting day in and day out for the rights and dignity of their communities at home and abroad, against huge odds. We’ve learned of the life-changing and life-saving work LGBTI+ activists are carrying out from the grassroots to the global level, in countries from South Africa to Tonga, Jamaica to India, Canada to Namibia. Our global movement is diverse and the communities we belong to and represent contain a multitude of identities, needs and abilities.
As we work to support one another in a more unpredictable and threatening world, we must remember to bring an intersectional lens to our work to better understand how different parts of our community experience in different ways – and so be able to find better solutions.
We at Kaleidoscope Trust are dedicated to fighting for a future where LGBTI+ people worldwide can live free, safe and equal lives. Since our foundation in 2011, our mission has been to support and strengthen the global LGBTI+ movement and to build diverse coalitions for change. Our advocacy with the UK Government and in the Commonwealth and our efforts to resource and support our partners’ work for their communities are central to delivering this mission.
As this past week has reminded us so clearly, our contribution to the global movement is more urgent than ever. So we will speak louder so those in power hear our voices more clearly. We will stand in greater solidarity with our partners all over the world. And we will continue our fight for LGBTI+ equality everywhere.
Jesse Sperling
Deputy Director.
The pressing LGBTI+ human rights challenges of our day can only be solved through collaboration, whether that be with grassroots or international human rights organisations, governments and funding bodies – and people that really care, like you.
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At Kaleidoscope Trust, we dedicate ourselves to securing human rights for LGBTI+ individuals across the Commonwealth and beyond, from supporting grassroots organisations to influencing policy and supporting marginalised voices. However, our work, like that of countless other civil society organisations, is sustained by one pivotal factor: funding. It’s not just about having resources but about ensuring that resources are committed in a way that’s sustainable and reflects the needs of those most affected. Failing to do so risks tokenising a movement and undermining the efforts of those working to create lasting change.
In recent years, the challenges we face have only increased. Economic upheavals, compounded by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent cost of living crisis, have changed the funding landscape dramatically. For LGBTI+ advocates, this change is particularly stark. Many of us have had to contend with austerity-driven cuts, geopolitical shifts, and a rise in organised, well-funded anti-LGBTI+ movements that seek to strip away the hard-won rights of vulnerable individuals. And this is all before the impact of a Trump presidency is known and felt, along with many other government changes around the world.
To combat the effects of these organised anti-LGBTI+ efforts, we need to mobilise resources that bolster resilience among the many advocacy groups we support. This includes strengthening local civil society organisations, enabling them to continue their vital work despite restrictions and even outright hostility from governments influenced by anti-rights rhetoric.
Kaleidoscope Trust and our partners operate in a delicate ecosystem, where our efforts to support LGBTI+ rights must be grounded in sustainability and resilience. Short-term or restrictive funding only hampers our ability to make meaningful progress. That’s why we call on governments, funding organisations, and policymakers to prioritise sustainable investment in LGBTI+ rights, especially within regions like the Commonwealth, where the impact of these resources is both urgently needed and deeply felt. That’s why continued investment, such as our long-term partners like the UK, Australia, and Canada, are so important and appreciated.
When it comes to advocacy, funding must not only be plentiful but also fair. Too often, LGBTI+ organisations find themselves fighting for the same limited resources under restrictive, one-size-fits-all conditions. This undermines the impact of our work and perpetuates cycles of inequality.
We believe inclusive funding mechanisms are key. Funders must adopt transparent and equitable allocation criteria, prioritising resources for organisations that serve the most marginalised and vulnerable. This also means involving LGBTI+ organisations in co-designing funding strategies—listening to and partnering with those who understand the complex realities faced by their communities.
One of our core principles is that funding should come with a commitment to foster collaboration, creating a foundation where governments, civil society, and funding entities can work together. Such a collaborative ecosystem enables meaningful, community-informed progress that addresses root causes and builds resilience against opposition. The funds should empower organisations to challenge oppressive systems, and they should ensure that those doing the work have the support to do so effectively.
The future of LGBTI+ advocacy depends on our collective commitment to sustainable investment. Governments, funding bodies, and policymakers must adopt an inclusive, multifaceted approach to supporting LGBTI+ rights. This means establishing funding mechanisms that prioritise marginalised voices, creating transparent criteria that prevent tokenism, and fostering strategic collaboration to make funding effective for long-term impact. This isn’t just good policy; it’s a moral imperative.
Our vision is clear: a Commonwealth in which every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is treated with dignity and respect.
By investing sustainably in this vision, we can build an inclusive future and ensure that advocacy organisations like Kaleidoscope Trust, alongside our partners, are empowered to create lasting change. Together, we can make strides towards a world where LGBTI+ individuals live free, safe, and equal lives.
Alex Farrow is the CEO of Kaleidoscope Trust, a leading UK-based charity that works to uphold the human rights of LGBTI+ people across the Commonwealth.
Our movement has always been powered by people, not those in power. Becoming a regular Kaleidoscope Trust donor gives us the financial security to fight for equality.
The pressing LGBTI+ human rights challenges of our day can only be solved through collaboration, whether that be with grassroots or international human rights organisations, governments and funding bodies – and people that really care, like you.
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To unlock the full potential and future of the Commonwealth, we must first acknowledge the impact of our shared colonial past—a legacy that continues to influence the criminalisation and discrimination of LGBTI+ individuals across many regions that demands urgent, collective action.
The Communique should be more than a platform for commitments; it should serve as a catalyst for real, tangible change where pledges from member states turn into meaningful, on-the-ground improvements for LGBTI+ individuals. We cannot simply settle for rhetoric.rum fuga.
One of the most positive aspects of the Communique is its emphasis on building resilient societies through an intersectional, human rights-based approach. This was not the case a few CHOGMs ago; it took a lot of energy and advocacy from global civil society, including from Kaleidoscope Trust, to encourage member states to collectively move in this direction. As a result, Heads of Government, through this communique, continue to stress the importance of peace, security, sustainable development, and inclusion—acknowledging the rich diversity of the Commonwealth’s cultures, heritage, and faiths. This recognition is a step forward, but to be truly inclusive, the conversation must go further and commitments more precise.
It is encouraging to see the Communique recognise the need for respect and diversity, but this cannot overshadow the lived reality of the LGBTI+ communities who live in nearly half of the Commonwealth’s nations that continue to criminalise them based on their sexual orientation and gender identity (see our 2024 CHOGM Shadow Report for more information).
No society can claim to be sustainable or peaceful when it systematically excludes or criminalises its citizens for simply being who they are. Without addressing these fundamental issues of human rights, we cannot hope to build the resilient, inclusive societies that the Communique envisions.
The commitment to gender equality, as outlined in the Communique, is another welcome development. In Samoa, Heads of Government reaffirmed their pledge to promote gender equality and empower women in line with the Commonwealth Charter and global efforts such as Sustainable Development Goal 5. This is undoubtedly positive, but we need to see some real action plans and more concrete commitments made by governments. For example, the Commonwealth Declaration on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment 2022-2030, endorsed at CHOGM 2022, serves as a reminder that effective action plans must be guided by local civil society input and led by activists directly impacted, in collaboration with governments. However, this Declaration lacks that essential element of civil society involvement. In addition to this, a more targeted funding stream is necessary to support the Declaration’s objectives. Dedicated financial backing would ensure sustained action, strengthen cross-national collaboration, and facilitate the sharing of best practices. In other words, we need to create a pathway of change for women in all of their diversity.
A notable commitment in the Communique is the recognition of “marginalised communities” as a priority area for progress. This seems to reflect the growing awareness among Commonwealth states of the need to include those who have long been left out of development conversations. Yet, the document as it stands does not go far enough and future iterations should offer more concrete commitments. The Commonwealth cannot continue to ignore the lived realities of LGBTI+ communities, who face systemic discrimination in access to education, healthcare, employment, and public services. We need a bolder and clearer commitment to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, can access the same rights and opportunities as others.
At Kaleidoscope Trust, we have worked extensively with our partners and allies across civil society and government to positively influence conversations at CHOGM. Our collaborative efforts participating in Commonwealth processes and spaces over many years to support and enhance Global South LGBTI+ priorities and voices especially aim to ensure that LGBTI+ rights are integrated into foreign policy and development decisions, pushing for more inclusive frameworks that reflect the needs and realities of LGBTI+ communities across the Commonwealth. These ongoing partnerships are crucial to shaping policies that go beyond commitments, driving real progress on the ground.
While some parts of the Communique are a step in the right direction, we need to move beyond rhetoric and ensure Member States agree and deliver actionable plans that include measurable outcomes. Governments must utilise these opportunities to lay out pathways for real change for marginalised communities. This means implementing specific mechanisms to collect data, monitor progress, share best practices, and support smaller states in following through on their commitments.
There is no doubt that the Communique presents a foundation for change, but the Commonwealth needs to be more ambitious. This means taking bigger and more courageous steps in addressing discrimination and putting in place sustainable, long-term strategies for inclusive development. The future of the Commonwealth depends on our ability to create a world where everyone can live in dignity, free from fear and persecution.
The time for promises is over—now is the time for action. Only by doing so can the Commonwealth truly become a space of freedom, safety, and equality for all its citizens.
Stelios Foteinopoulos
International Policy and Advocacy Manager
The pressing LGBTI+ human rights challenges of our day can only be solved through collaboration, whether that be with grassroots or international human rights organisations, governments and funding bodies – and people that really care, like you.
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As we welcome Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey as the newly appointed Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, we stand at a crucial juncture for the rights and dignity of LGBTI+ individuals across member states. This appointment is more than symbolic; it’s an opportunity to advance human rights and equality within a global community where nearly half of its member states continue to criminalise people based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
The role of Secretary-General carries a powerful mandate to uphold the Commonwealth Charter, including a commitment to human rights and equality. In an era where discrimination against LGBTI+ individuals remains entrenched in many regions, the Secretary-General’s leadership can bring attention to these systemic injustices and champion pathways to inclusive policy change.
Hon. Botchwey has previously expressed a commitment to human rights advocacy through diplomatic channels, pledging to begin with private engagement but not hesitating to address repressive legislation openly if needed. This approach will be essential in fostering a Commonwealth where LGBTI+ individuals can live free from fear and persecution.
The Secretary-General’s position uniquely positions her to convene leaders, drive policy discourse, and hold governments accountable, both publicly and privately. To be truly impactful, her efforts must extend beyond rhetoric to include concrete steps for decriminalisation, anti-discrimination laws, and protections in health, education, and employment. Supporting these rights is not just about values; it’s about building sustainable, peaceful societies where all individuals can thrive.
At Kaleidoscope Trust, we remain hopeful and committed to working alongside the Secretary-General to make the Commonwealth a global leader in equality for all its citizens. This moment is a call to action, and we will continue to advocate for a Commonwealth where everyone, regardless of identity, can live with dignity and equality.
Alex Farrow
CEO, Kaleidoscope Trust
The pressing LGBTI+ human rights challenges of our day can only be solved through collaboration, whether that be with grassroots or international human rights organisations, governments and funding bodies – and people that really care, like you.
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Over the past decade, we’ve provided funding, training and platforms to over 120 LGBTI+ organisations delivering ground-breaking and life-saving work in some of the world’s most challenging environments. We’ve brought LGBTI+ voices, perspectives and priorities directly to the UK government and international leaders so the actions they take to protect and promote LGBTI+ rights around the world are a priority. And we’ve brought our civil society partners and governmental representatives together to build and sustain a global coalition for change in support of LGBTI+ people and communities.
Since first meeting the Canadian Prime Minister in 2018, we’ve deepened our partnership with the Canadian Government to deliver change for LGBTI+ people in the Commonwealth. With critical funding from Global Affairs Canada since 2021, we have shaped Commonwealth agendas and ensured Commonwealth leaders hear the voices and priorities of our LGBTI+ partners from around the world. We have provided needed resources to our partner organisations in Botswana, Jamaica, Namibia, and Pakistan. And we have helped sustain The Commonwealth Equality Network (TCEN), enabling it to transform into a network that delivers even more for its members through our collective advocacy and peer to peer exchange.
Last week, the Canadian Government announced further funding in support of our ongoing work fighting for LGBTI+ rights across the Commonwealth. We welcome this vote of confidence in Kaleidoscope Trust and in our work with our partners in TCEN and around the world!
Remarking on our continued partnership, Alex Farrow, our CEO, said:
]]>“I am delighted by the Government of Canada’s announcement at CHOGM in Samoa, which I have just returned from. It’s especially important at a time when LGBTI+ rights are under sustained attack globally and governments are pulling back from their human rights support and obligations more generally.
This additional investment will allow us to build on our numerous successes over recent years – and to work to address the immense obstacles our global communities continue to face. We will accelerate our advocacy in the Commonwealth as well as our efforts to support and connect activists and organisations with those in power, so the Commonwealth and its member states take positive action on LGBTI+ rights as a priority.”
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John Doe
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