Times Of Swaziland: LOCAL TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY FEARS LOSING FUNDING FROM US

LOCAL TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY FEARS LOSING FUNDING FROM US
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Mlondzi Nkambule on 22/01/2025 09:57:00


MBABANE – The local transgender community has voiced fears of an uncertain
future following US President Donald Trump’s recent declaration that America
will recognise only two genders. In his inauguration speech on Monday, Trump
stated that his administration would adopt a two-gender policy, a move that
could have significant implications for transgender individuals globally,
including those in Eswatini. “As of today, it will henceforth be the official
policy of the United States (US) government that there are only two genders:
male and female,” he said and received a standing ovation from the
inauguration attendees.
Organisations such as TransSwati, who advocate for transgender rights in the
country, fear that the policy shift could result in a loss of critical funding
from US-based donors, particularly those supporting healthcare initiatives.
Transgender (sometimes referred to as trans) refers to individuals whose gender
identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. A transgender person
may identify as male, female, non-binary or another gender that does not align
with societal expectations based on their assigned sex.
Some transgender individuals may choose to transition socially, legally or
medically, to align their gender expression with their identity, while others
may not. The term is an umbrella that encompasses a wide range of gender
identities and expressions.
TransSwati Director and Southern Africa Trans Forum (SATF) Coordinator, Pinty
Dludlu expressed concerns about the potential impact on healthcare services.
“Many organisations rely heavily on US funding for HIV prevention programmes.
A reduction or withdrawal of funds could lead to a rise in infections and limit
access to LGBTQIA-friendly healthcare services,” she said.  However, Dludlu
noted that TransSwati’s operations would continue despite the challenges.
“Our organisation is not solely dependent on US funding and our focus extends
beyond HIV prevention. We are considering broadening our funding sources across
the continent and exploring social enterprise opportunities for long-term
sustainability.”
She highlighted progress made in recent years, including improved access to
healthcare for transgender individuals and growing social acceptance. “While
we do not yet have fully-tailored services, there has been a positive shift in
inclusivity within the healthcare sector. Unfortunately, Trump’s policy could
reverse these gains, making it even harder for trans people to access vital
services without facing discrimination.”
resolute
Despite these challenges, Dludlu mentioned that her organisation remains
resolute in advocating for transgender rights. “Transgender people can never
be erased. We will continue our advocacy efforts and work with government
stakeholders to ensure trans people receive the support they need.” She called
on local and international stakeholders to maintain their support for the
LGBTQIA community and to seek alternative funding sources. “It would be
disheartening to see years of progress undone. Advocacy should never stop and we
urge stakeholders to keep LGBTQIA organisations in the loop for potential
funding opportunities.”
Dludlu also stressed the importance of family and community support in reducing
stigma. “Acceptance begins at home. Family support plays a crucial role in
shaping societal attitudes and ensuring trans people feel safe and valued in
their communities,” she said. The US President issued executive orders shortly
after he was sworn in to change the US government’s policies on gender and
diversity, following through on promises he made on the campaign trail.
expansion
Trump’s return to power coincided with growing criticism from the right and
religious conservatives of the expansion of transgender rights in the US. Trump
espoused a traditional view of gender throughout the 2024 campaign and he and
his allies attacked Democrats for supporting transgender rights. Agenda47, the
official policy platform for the Trump campaign, promised to cut federal funding
for ‘radical gender ideology’ as well as the dissemination of
‘inappropriate racial, sexual or political content to our children’. He has
criticised policies that allow transgender athletes school-age players, college
athletes and professionals to play on teams that align with their gender
identity, arguing this could harm women’s sports programmes.
Trump and his fellow Republicans also called for banning certain kinds of
medical treatment for transgender minors. One of Trump’s most notable
political advertisements declared his opponent, Kamala Harris, was ‘for
they/them’ while ‘President Trump is for you’. The order declaring only
two official genders could have wide-ranging implications. Some US and global
health experts have said singling out individuals based on their gender identity
or expression can be harmful to physical and mental well-being. The World Health
Organisation warns that “Rigid gender norms also negatively affect people with
diverse gender identities, who often face violence, stigma and discrimination as
a result, including in healthcare settings.”