The United States has officially withdrawn from the United Nations LGBTI Core Group, a coalition of countries dedicated to advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ and intersex individuals worldwide.
According to The Washington Blade, the withdrawal occurred on February 14, though no public announcement was made at the time. A State Department spokesperson later confirmed the decision but did not specify the exact date of departure.
“In line with the president’s recent executive orders, we have withdrawn from the U.N. LGBTI Core Group,” the spokesperson stated.
A Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy on LGBTQ+ Rights
During Donald Trump’s first term, his administration claimed to be committed to the global decriminalization of homosexuality, though critics dismissed the effort as a “sham” with little tangible action. Despite these claims, Trump’s administration has repeatedly faced accusations of rolling back LGBTQ+ rights.
The U.N. LGBTI Core Group, established in 2008, includes over 40 countries and works to ensure the universal recognition of LGBTQ+ human rights, particularly focusing on protection from violence and discrimination. The group is currently co-chaired by Chile and the Netherlands, with observer status held by the European Union, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, and Outright International.
Member Nations and Objectives of the Core Group
The Core Group includes countries such as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, Spain, the U.K., and South Africa. Its three primary goals are:
- Raising awareness about LGBTQ+ and intersex rights.
- Contributing to U.N. discussions and policies.
- Encouraging open, constructive dialogue with other U.N. member states.
The U.S. first joined the group in the final year of George W. Bush’s presidency, and under Joe Biden, LGBTQ+ and intersex rights became a central pillar of U.S. foreign policy. Jill Biden spoke at a Core Group event during the U.N. General Assembly in 2023, continuing the administration’s advocacy.
LGBTQ+ Rights Rollbacks Under Trump
Since Trump’s return to office in January, his administration has taken sweeping measures to strip recognition of transgender individuals from U.S. government policies. Executive orders have banned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts across federal agencies and targeted LGBTQ+ representation in publicly funded arts and media.
The administration’s shutdown of USAID (United States Agency for International Development) has cut billions in funding to bipartisan programs such as PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Program for AIDS Relief). Advocates warn these cuts are “catastrophic” for global LGBTQ+ and intersex rights efforts.
Global Backlash and Uncertain Future
Trump’s decision to withdraw from the U.N. LGBTI Core Group signals a major shift in U.S. foreign policy, sparking concern among human rights advocates. With increasing restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights at home and abroad, the withdrawal raises serious questions about the future of U.S. support for global equality.
