Our response to the new exploitation of LGBT+ issues

Pink Human Rights Defender NGO considers it important to provide a public response to the recent spread of misinformation and the exploitation of LGBT+ issues in public discourse.

The latest events show that the policies of the 47th President of the United States have a negative impact not only within the U.S. but also globally, undermining democratic values and the protection of human rights. His decisions directly harm women’s rights, global healthcare programs, migrants, LGBT+ individuals, and a wide range of human rights. This policy inspires far-right extremist groups, who perceive it as a victory for their ideology. However, they often overlook the fact that such policies can also endanger them and their loved ones, given their far-reaching negative consequences.

The termination of funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will have serious consequences for Armenia. Since the 1990s, USAID has consistently supported Armenia by providing humanitarian aid and investing in human rights, education, agriculture, community development, and economic reforms. Cutting these funds will not only disrupt civil society but also hinder the country’s economic and social development, endangering the well-being of vulnerable groups.

Some extremist groups have targeted LGBT+ organizations that receive funding from USAID. However, it is crucial to understand that the closure of USAID will not only affect LGBT-focused organizations but also all areas of Armenia’s development.

Pink Human Rights Defender NGO, which operates based on grant programs and individual donations, has once again become a target of misinformation and manipulation. Following a report by the U.S. Senate Republicans, which stated that USAID allocated $1.1 million to support LGBT+ issues in Armenia between 2019 and 2023, a new wave of hate speech and false accusations has been directed at Pink. In particular, there are attempts to link this funding to Armenia’s 2018 revolution and the current government, despite the fact that Pink has been cooperating with USAID since 2015. We have always operated transparently, properly prividing annual reports to the state, donors, organization members, and beneficiaries.

It is important to note that the funding provided by USAID for the protection of LGBT+ human rights constitutes a relatively small portion of its overall grants. Moreover, around 70% of the funds received by Pink have been redistributed as sub-grants to other organizations or used for local and international research and consultancy services.

Our program resources are formed not only through collaboration with donor organizations but also thanks to donations from individuals in Armenia, the Diaspora, and other countries who value human rights and the promotion of universal values in Armenia. We are deeply grateful to our supporters for their dedication.

The protection of human rights often becomes a target of political manipulation, while hate speech is used as a tool to divide society. Pink continues to defend the human rights of LGBT+ individuals, promote democratic values, and support vulnerable groups, regardless of the political climate and the sources of funding necessary for program implementation.

We call on all political and social actors to refrain from manipulations, misinformation, and hate speech that harm civil society and Armenia’s development potential. Human rights should not be a subject of political exploitation, and any violations against them must be met with resolute opposition.