Empowering LGBTQ+ Communities: A Shift from American Dependence

The rise and power: LGBTQ+ sovereignty

There's a growing buzz around "LGBTQ+ sovereignty" as queer communities aim not just at gaining economic strength and political clout but also at steering their own stories and futures. But how do we actually harness that power? It's not an easy feat, but who said it was impossible?

Navigating challenges on our journey

We're living in a whirlwind where it's easy just focusing on problems rather than cooking up solutions. Many within our LGBTQ+ crowd are feeling stuck, unsure how or where we should go from here. Is true liberation a pipe dream?

Our rights movements have often leaned heavily on American support, counting on Democratic wins and backing from groups like USAID. Yet, this support now feels shaky with whispers about dwindling U.S. interest. What does a future without America's help look like?

The Movement Advancement Project (MAP) points out a slump in big-time donations going towards key LGBTQ+ nonprofits in America, signaling a backing off from well-off LGBTQ+ Americans. While America used be seen as a beacon championing dignity and equality, shifting alliances could embolden global anti-LGBTQ+ forces.

Planning ahead in an uncertain future

It's tough picturing a future that's different from what we've aimed at so far. Our community often gets caught in today's struggles, maybe because looking ahead has always been a challenge. Plus, many at our helm are linked with Democrats and corporate interests, making it hard envision different strategies.

Remember a couple years back when we talked about how our goals didn't quite mesh with those held by Democrats, who often paint conservatives as our enemies in our equality fight? Just banking on U.S. political wins and court rulings won't cut it anymore. America seems less like it once did in its moral stance on LGBTQ+ issues, and global economic development isn't at its front and center. Could Democrats maybe slip on LGBTQ+ issues as global resistance grows?

Breaking free: standing on our own

In this might-makes-right kind-of-world that values profits over people, where do we LGBTQ+ folks fit in? Here are some initial steps we can take:

• Reviving solidarity: Some notable voices say LGBTQ+ folks don't form a single "people." This thinking chips away at our solidarity. We need reignite that shared sense and work towards collective liberation.
• Building a representative assembly: Let's create a democratic assembly, where each LGBTQ+ voice counts. This assembly would bring together reps from all walks and corners, ensuring our actions are united and making institutions accountable, moving away from donor-driven goals.
• Gaining economic independence: You can't have political power without economic muscle. LGBTQ+ communities should build economic frameworks like community financial institutions and social investment funds. The Global LGBTQ+ Inclusive Finance Forum aims at boosting our economic independence.

  Looking forward: charting our course

  Moving forward, it's going take both imagination and solid planning if we're going reclaim our movement's path. The old, trusted ways are gone, but that opens up space dream a future where we're not relying on allies' power or goodwill.

  Our sovereignty in all its forms isn't something political parties or courts hand us—it's something we carve out ourselves, intentionally and together. This work belongs our generation, and it's time start now.

  Fabrice Houdart has deep experience in global human rights advocacy and co-founded a nonprofit aimed at boosting LGBTQ+ economic empowerment.