UK LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall is undergoing an organization-wide consultation that could lead to significant staff cuts. The decision comes in the wake of changes to US foreign aid policies under the Donald Trump administration, which have affected several global LGBTQ+ organizations, including Stonewall.
A spokesperson for Stonewall confirmed to PinkNews that they cannot yet provide an exact figure on the number of redundancies. However, multiple reports, citing sources within the charity, suggest that Stonewall could be forced to reduce its workforce by as much as half due to cuts in US foreign aid.
In early February, Elon Musk, who is leading the push to reduce the size of the federal government through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), announced that work was underway to dissolve the US foreign aid agency USAID. The agency, which has faced intense scrutiny under the Trump administration, employed approximately 10,000 people.
The move to shut down USAID follows years of turmoil for the agency, with reports from The Washington Post describing it as having been “whipsawed by aid freezes, personnel purges, and confusion.” Trump has been vocal in his disdain for USAID, referring to its leadership as a “bunch of radical lunatics.” Musk also joined in the criticism, calling the agency “evil” and accusing it of harboring “radical-left Marxists” who “hate America.”
In addition, Musk made unfounded claims on social media, including a tweet suggesting that USAID was responsible for funding bioweapons research related to the COVID-19 pandemic, a baseless accusation. The Trump administration also falsely alleged that USAID had supported a “transgender opera.”
Over the past three years, Stonewall has received over half a million pounds from the US government as part of the Global Equality Fund, which aids LGBTQ+ organizations around the world. The reduction in foreign aid has had a direct impact on Stonewall’s ability to carry out its work, with the charity now facing tough decisions regarding its staffing and funding.
Stonewall Adapts to Changing Political Landscape
Despite the challenges, Stonewall remains committed to its mission. A charity spokesperson told PinkNews that the organization is adapting to meet the demands of a changing political landscape. “Hard-won rights are being rolled back for marginalized communities across the world, and we are seeing an unprecedented political backlash against the principles of inclusion,” the spokesperson said. “Stonewall is adapting to ensure that it is fit for purpose and able to meet the challenges of this new political era.”
The spokesperson emphasized that Stonewall has had to be flexible in the past and will continue to do so in the future. “Over the last 35+ years, Stonewall has often needed to be agile and adapt to a changing world, and now it is no different. We know that we must work differently than we have previously to be effective in the coming years—and we are future-proofing with that in mind,” they added.
The spokesperson also noted that many charities, including Stonewall, are facing difficult decisions due to financial pressures. The charity’s most recent annual report for 2023-2024 revealed a deficit of more than £800,000, which it attributed to “challenging operating conditions.”
Stonewall’s History and Political Challenges
Stonewall was founded in 1989 by a group of gay and lesbian activists who were fighting against the UK’s homophobic Section 28 legislation, a law introduced by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The charity’s first office was in the home of gay actor Sir Ian McKellen. Since its inception, Stonewall has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK, working on issues such as equal marriage, adoption rights, and workplace protections.
However, in recent years, the organization has faced increasing political and media scrutiny. In 2021, Scottish minister Patrick Harvie commented on the “opportunistic hate campaign” that Stonewall had been subjected to. Critics of Stonewall have targeted its Diversity Champions program, which helps workplaces become more LGBTQ+ inclusive by providing guidance on issues like parental leave for same-sex couples.
Stonewall’s work has also been criticized by some conservative groups and politicians, including former President Donald Trump. Since taking office, Trump has sought to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in both public and private sectors. This shift has further complicated the charity’s work, particularly in the international arena, where it relies on funding from organizations like USAID.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Stonewall
As Stonewall navigates these significant financial and political challenges, the charity’s leadership remains focused on ensuring that its mission of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights remains strong. Despite the cuts to foreign aid and the ongoing political backlash against LGBTQ+ advocacy, Stonewall is committed to continuing its work and adapting to the evolving landscape.
While staff reductions may be necessary, Stonewall remains dedicated to ensuring that the fight for LGBTQ+ equality continues, both in the UK and globally. As the charity looks to the future, it will likely need to find new ways to sustain its work and maintain its position as a leading voice for LGBTQ+ rights.
