Lesotho LGBTQ Group Refutes Claims of US Funding by President Trump

The People’s Matrix in Lesotho denied claims by US President Trump regarding receiving eight million dollars for LGBTQ funding. Trump mentioned this in a speech, yet the organization clarified that no such funds were received. Financial aid to Lesotho focuses on health areas, particularly HIV/AIDS prevention. The comments elicited confusion and responses from citizens, reflecting national pride.

On Wednesday, the People’s Matrix, Lesotho’s leading LGBTQ rights organization, refuted claims of receiving eight million dollars in funding from the United States, which President Donald Trump mentioned in a recent speech. Trump had referenced a previous US aid initiative purportedly aimed at promoting LGBTQI+ rights in Lesotho, a nation he described as relatively obscure.

Tampose Mothopeng, spokesperson for People’s Matrix, asserted to AFP, “We are not receiving grants from the US.” He emphasized, “We have no idea of the allocation of eight million dollars. We do not know who received or is going to receive that money. We do not have such money or a contract that would even reach a quarter of half of that money.”

It is noteworthy that financial assistance for LGBTQ rights in Lesotho, which has a population of roughly 2.3 million, is absent from the US government’s foreign assistance webpage. Instead, in 2024, allocations indicate a spending of approximately 120 million dollars on health and population initiatives, with $43.5 million allocated specifically for combating HIV/AIDS.

Lesotho has one of the world’s highest HIV prevalence rates, with nearly one in four individuals infected. Since 2006, the US has reportedly invested over $630 million in anti-HIV/AIDS efforts within the country. However, after the reduction of US foreign aid, over 30 non-governmental organizations cautioned in mid-February about the impending failure of the country’s HIV programs.

The remarks made by President Trump bewildered citizens of Lesotho, who were surprised by his comments. Journalist and activist Kananelo Boloetse expressed his confusion on social media, asking, “Do you know what Kingdom in the Sky is? I guess not, too busy golfing to notice. 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 conclusion, the People’s Matrix has unequivocally denied receiving the alleged eight million dollars in US funding for LGBTQ rights, stating that there is no information regarding such financial allocation. Instead, Lesotho’s aid from the US has been primarily directed towards health initiatives, particularly combating HIV/AIDS. The reaction to President Trump’s comments has highlighted national pride among Lesotho’s citizens and the seriousness of the challenges facing their public health programs.

Original Source: newscentral.africa