Building Economic Power: Why Funding LBQ+ Women in the Global South Is Essential

Deborah Iroegbu
Oct 16
2 min read

Last week, LesbianGlobal was honored to join the Koppa Global LGBT+ Inclusive Finance Forum at Deutsche Bank’s New York headquarters, a milestone event that brought together more than 140 investors, policymakers, and financial leaders committed to building an inclusive economy.

Represented by Naomi Fine and Kathy Levinson, LesbianGlobal joined a powerful conversation about the intersection of finance, equality, and visibility—and why economic empowerment must remain at the heart of LGBTQ+ advocacy.

The forum, hosted by Koppa, featured thought-provoking discussions with leaders like Zach Buchwald, Rich Ditizio, Ise Bosch, Bruce Cohen, Marty Chavez, and activist Nadine Smith of Equality Florida, who reminded everyone that our economic contributions are not secondary to equality—they are central to it.

Five people smile at a conference, wearing orange lanyards with name tags. One holds a cup, another a bottle. Bright, modern interior. — Naomi Fine and Kathy Levinson of LesbianGlobal joined Lee Badgett of Koppa Labs and other prominent leaders at the event.

A Critical Moment for Funding LBQ+ Women in the Global South

Around the world, the funding landscape for LGBTQ+ movements is shifting—and often shrinking. Over the past few years, international funding for LBQ+ initiatives in the Global South has faced significant cuts, even as restrictive laws, rising conservatism, and economic instability continue to affect the very communities most in need of support.

For LBQ+ women in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Caribbean, this underfunding has real consequences. It means limited access to resources that support leadership, entrepreneurship, and safety. It means silenced voices in spaces where policy and progress are being shaped. And it means lost opportunities to build sustainable, community-driven change.

This is why funding LBQ+ women in the Global South is not charity—it is strategy. Investing in their leadership creates ripple effects: stronger local economies, more inclusive workplaces, and empowered communities that challenge systems of exclusion.

At LesbianGlobal, our mission is simple but urgent—to create economic empowerment for LBQ+ women in the Global South by mobilizing resources, fostering networks, and ensuring that capital flows to where it is needed most.

We believe that when LBQ+ women have access to funding, they do more than survive—they lead.

They build organizations, launch businesses, and design solutions rooted in lived experience. Yet, as global aid becomes increasingly risk-averse, LBQ+ women remain underfunded and underrepresented in mainstream philanthropy and corporate giving.

The solution is not to talk about inclusion but to fund it—intentionally, consistently, and equitably.

Two women seated at a conference table, one holding a microphone and gesturing. Laptops, bottles, and people in the background. — Kathy Levinson and Naomi Fine Speaking during the Koppa conference

Events like Koppa’s Global LGBT+ Inclusive Finance Forum are essential reminders that economic equity is not just a financial goal; it’s a justice issue. LesbianGlobal’s participation signals a growing commitment to bridge the funding gap and to champion the visibility and viability of LBQ+ women across the Global South.

As we move forward, our focus remains on shifting narratives and funding priorities—from temporary aid to long-term investment in LBQ+ women’s capacity to lead change.

LesbianGlobal calls on partners, funders, and allies to take action: