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Further, there appears to be a shift from aid that genuinely benefits populations toward projects that seem driven more by social or ideological agendas. For example, USAID funded a $1.5 million initiative in Serbia aimed at promoting LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion in workplaces. Similar programs have seen U.S. funding directed toward promoting gender-affirming healthcare, conducting cultural events like musicals in Ireland, producing comic books with LGBTQ+ heroes, and supporting drag theater performances in Ecuador.
While support for human rights and social issues is commendable in many contexts, questions are raised about priorities—especially when such projects appear disconnected from core foreign policy objectives or the effective use of taxpayer money.