Mexican Organization Supporting LGBTQ Migrants Faces Closure Amidst Funding Freeze

Editor's Note: Our correspondent is currently in Mexico, providing coverage on how recent policy changes are impacting LGBTQ migrants and asylum seekers.

A Funding Freeze Threatens Essential Services

In a significant development, a vital Mexican organization that supports LGBTQ migrants and asylum seekers is facing the threat of closure. This potential shutdown comes in the wake of a recent decision by the Trump-Vance administration to suspend nearly all U.S. foreign aid spending for a period of at least 90 days.

The organization, known as Casa Frida, operates across several cities in Mexico, including Mexico City, Monterrey, and Tapachula. It plays a crucial role by assisting over 300 LGBTQ asylum seekers and migrants, providing them with much-needed support and resources.

Impact on Casa Frida's Funding and Operations

Raúl Caporal, the director of Casa Frida, revealed that approximately 60% of his organization's annual budget is derived from U.S. government grants. These grants are primarily sourced from the U.S. Agency for International Development, the State Department, and the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.

On January 24, the U.S. government suspended funding for several key initiatives run by Casa Frida. These initiatives were focused on areas such as organizational strengthening, humanitarian assistance, financial inclusion, digital security, and combating human trafficking.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on the same day, directed personnel to halt nearly all U.S. foreign aid spending in response to an executive order signed by President Trump on January 20. However, some exceptions were made to allow life-saving humanitarian assistance programs to continue during this freeze.

"The suspension of funding has severely restricted our services," Caporal explained. "We are now facing significant limitations in our ability to provide essential support to our community."

Efforts to Secure Alternative Funding

The immediate impact of the funding suspension has forced Casa Frida to lay off several employees. The organization is now in a precarious position, with the remaining U.S. funds potentially needing to be returned.

Caporal and his team are actively seeking alternative funding sources, working closely with the European Union, various foreign governments, local officials, and private donors. "We are determined to find new ways to sustain our operations," Caporal stated.

Despite the uncertainty, there is a belief that some of the aid may eventually be reinstated. However, there is also concern that projects related to sexual rights, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ issues might not receive future support from the U.S. administration.

Uncertain Future for LGBTQ Support Initiatives

The waiver issued by Rubio specifies that it does not cover activities related to "abortions, family planning conferences, gender or DEI ideology programs, transgender surgeries, or other non-life-saving assistance." This has further complicated the situation for organizations like Casa Frida that are heavily reliant on U.S. support.

Caporal expressed cautious optimism, noting that "much of this aid could return, especially for projects aimed at addressing inequality, poverty, and urban development." However, he emphasized that they are not waiting for these projects to be restarted and are instead proactively pursuing other avenues of support.

The situation has left Casa Frida, along with other global LGBTQ organizations that depend on U.S. aid, scrambling to secure additional funding. The future of these essential programs remains uncertain, and without alternative support, some organizations may have to reduce their offerings or shut down entirely.

We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.