The Biden administration aims to train a minimum of 200 activists to advocate for transgender rights in India under a program intended to serve America’s “national interests,” according to a federal grant notice.
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” to empower them to advocate for their rights and access needed services, as per an April 8 grant announcement. This initiative is offered through the Public Diplomacy Programs of the department, which aims to support U.S. foreign policy goals, national interests, and enhance national security.
The grant proposal argues that enhancing health, education, economic strength, justice, and equality for transgender individuals in India will ultimately benefit the United States.
The program, titled “Empowering LGBTQI+ Community Leadership Across India,” focuses on transgender and intersex individuals due to the severe discrimination and social stigma they face compared to other groups within the LGBTQI+ spectrum, along with challenges in accessing education, healthcare, employment, and legal recourse against discrimination.
To achieve its objectives, the program will employ a “train the trainer” approach, training 200 individuals directly to then reach an additional 2,000 activists within a year, aiming to create a positive impact across India.
Key Indian cities targeted under this program include Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
The State Department is offering between $120,000 and $150,000 to a third party to administer the program, which is set to commence on August 20.
Funding initiatives supporting LGBT causes abroad to promote U.S. interests has been a focal point of the State Department under the Biden administration. This includes support for “queer” Muslim writers in India, theatrical productions educating Africans about LBGT rights, a ballroom dancing initiative benefiting Peruvian transgender youth, and financial backing for a university program promoting “LGBTQI+ allies.”
