Stonewall, the charity focused on advancing LGBTQ+ rights behind the global Some People Are Gay. Get Over It! campaign [pictured], faces a potential workforce reduction of up to 50% after the United States government, under Trump, discontinued its foreign aid support. This decision, communicated to the charity’s 114 employees during a recent Teams call led by Chief Executive Simon Blake, has left staff members stunned, reports The Times.
The aid in question was provided through the Global Equality Fund (GEF), administered by the US state department, which had allocated more than £500,000 to Stonewall over the past three years. This financial support was crucial for the charity’s international efforts to bolster LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in regions like Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, where it has engaged with local communities and law enforcement to tackle anti-LGBTQ+ violence, providing vital services to victims.
A spokesperson for Stonewall expressed concern over the repercussions of the funding cuts: “Many will be rightly fearful of the impact the US Government’s decision to suspend foreign aid will have, including for programmes supporting LGBTQ+ communities around the world.” They emphasised the importance of continuous support amid a declining landscape for LGBTQ+ rights globally.
As financial pressure mounts on Stonewall, the organisation has reported a significant deficit of over £800,000, with its overall income falling from £7.7 million to £6.9 million. This decline in revenue is compounded by an increase in reliance on taxpayer funding, which has raised eyebrows among critics. John O’Connell, Chief Executive of the right-wing TaxPayers’ Alliance, voiced his concerns, saying taxpayers would be “shocked that the state is effectively paying to prop up a charity that has gone increasingly rogue in its agenda.”
Stonewall’s financial struggles coincide with broader critiques surrounding its approach to LGBTQ+ rights, particularly regarding its stance on trans rights, which has sparked division among supporters and opponents alike. The charity sustained a decline in the number of schools participating in its educational programmes, with only 200 institutions currently enrolled, down from over 300 in the previous year.
Founded in 1989, Stonewall emerged as a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, significantly contributing to landmark legislation such as the Civil Partnership Act of 2004 and the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2014. However, since expanding its mission to include trans rights, Stonewall has encountered backlash and scrutiny, leading some to question its direction and financial sustainability.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://tfn.scot/news/exclusive-stonewall-told-it-must-end-partnerships-with-arms-trade – This article discusses Stonewall’s financial struggles and controversies surrounding its partnerships, which aligns with the broader financial and strategic challenges faced by the charity.
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/10/15/stonewall-diversity-champions-trans-lgbt-charity-workplace/ – The Telegraph article highlights the decline of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme and its financial implications, reflecting the charity’s broader financial struggles.
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/22/2024-07496/guidance-for-federal-financial-assistance – While not directly related to Stonewall, this document provides context on federal financial assistance, which can inform discussions about international aid and funding challenges faced by organizations like Stonewall.
- https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office – This UK government webpage provides information on foreign policy and aid, which can contextualize the impact of changes in foreign aid on organizations like Stonewall.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references recent events and funding cuts under former President Donald Trump, indicating it is not outdated. However, the specific timing of the cuts and their impact might be subject to updates.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
The quote from Stonewall’s spokesperson is not verified against an original source, but it appears to be a recent statement. The quote from John O’Connell, Chief Executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, also lacks an original source.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a well-known publication. However, the reliability can vary based on specific topics and sources cited within the narrative.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about funding cuts and their impact on Stonewall are plausible given the context of international aid and political changes. However, some details, such as the exact financial figures and workforce reduction percentages, lack independent verification.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be current and based on plausible events, with quotes that seem recent but lack original sources. The source is generally reliable, though specific details may require further verification.
TOP EVENTS
TOP EVENTS
