Lesotho LGBTQ Group Refutes Allegations of U.S. Grant Funding

The People’s Matrix, Lesotho’s primary LGBTQ rights organization, has denied receiving eight million dollars in U.S. funding as claimed by President Trump. The organization emphasized that they do not have any associated funds or contracts. Additionally, current U.S. assistance focuses on health programs, particularly HIV/AIDS, rather than LGBTQ issues in Lesotho.

On Wednesday, the People’s Matrix, the leading LGBTQ rights organization in Lesotho, denied claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding an alleged eight million dollars in U.S. funding. In a speech to Congress, Trump referred to a previous U.S. aid initiative purportedly aimed at promoting LGBTQI+ rights in Lesotho, a nation that he claimed “nobody has ever heard of.”

Tampose Mothopeng, spokesperson for People’s Matrix, stated, “We are not receiving grants from the U.S.” He further expressed confusion over the mentioned eight million dollars, affirming, “We do not know who received or is going to receive that money.”

Mothopeng clarified, “We do not have such money or a contract that would even reach a quarter of half of that money.” Importantly, the U.S. government’s foreign assistance webpage does not list financial support for LGBTQ rights in Lesotho. Instead, it outlines an expenditure of approximately 120 million dollars for health and population programs in 2024.

Lesotho, with a population of 2.3 million, faces a significant health crisis, with nearly one in four individuals living with HIV, one of the highest rates globally. Since 2006, the U.S. has dedicated over 630 million dollars to anti-HIV/AIDS initiatives in Lesotho. However, the cessation of U.S. foreign aid has raised concerns, as over 30 NGOs warned in February that the nation’s HIV programs were at risk.

Trump’s comments regarding Lesotho left many citizens confused upon reading them the following morning. Journalist Kananelo Boloetse expressed this sentiment on social media, stating, “Do you know what Kingdom in the Sky is? I guess not, too busy golfing to notice.”

Boloetse continued, “Lesotho’s the only country in the world entirely above 1,000 metres elevation, higher than your approval ratings ever got. We’re here, we’re proud, and we’re not your punchline.”

In summary, the People’s Matrix has firmly denied receiving the alleged U.S. funding for LGBTQ rights in Lesotho, refuting claims made by President Trump. The organization emphasized a lack of funds or contracts related to the cited amount. Furthermore, reports indicate a focus on health programs, particularly in combating HIV/AIDS, rather than LGBTQ initiatives. Citizens have expressed bewilderment over Trump’s remarks, proudly asserting their national identity.

Original Source: newscentral.africa