Biden administration proposes allocating American tax dollars to train transgender activists in India
- In Reports
- 10:56 AM, Apr 25, 2024
- Myind Staff
According to a federal grant posting, the Biden administration aims to train a minimum of 200 activists to advocate for transgender rights in India as part of a program purportedly intended to promote America’s “national interests.”
President Joe Biden’s State Department intends to "train at least 200 LGBTQI+ community leaders … with preference given to trans and intersex community leaders" by providing "specialized legal education and support," as outlined in a grant announcement published on April 8.
The department is offering the grant under its Public Diplomacy Programs, which aim to "support the achievement of U.S. foreign policy goals and objectives, advance national interests, and enhance national security."
The grant opportunity argues that enhancing health, education, economic strength, justice, and equality for transgender people in India will ultimately benefit the United States.
The proposed program, titled “Empowering LGBTQI+ Community Leadership Across India,” focuses on transgender and intersex Indians because, according to the State Department, they face more severe discrimination and social stigma compared to other groups within the LGBTQI+ spectrum. Additionally, they encounter unique challenges in accessing education, healthcare, employment, and legal recourse against discrimination.
To achieve its objectives, the program will employ a "train the trainer" approach, whereby the 200 individuals trained directly will in turn reach out to an additional 2,000 activists within one year. The State Department aims to initiate a "ripple effect" across India through this strategy.
The major Indian cities of Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi are all included as targets under the State Department’s program. The department is offering between $120,000 and $150,000 for a third party to manage the program, which is scheduled to commence on August 20th.
Funding LGBT initiatives abroad, ostensibly to promote America’s interests, has been a significant aspect of the State Department's agenda under the Biden administration.
The State Department has financed "queer" Muslim writers in India, supported theatrical productions aimed at educating Africans about LBGT rights, backed a ballroom dancing program to "uplift" Peruvian transgender youth, and provided funding to a university to train "LGBTQI+ allies."
Image source: Justice News
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