The Biden administration announced a $500,000 grant on Monday to teach English in Pakistan, with a particular focus on transgender youth. The grant, offered by the State Department, aims to help Pakistani youth better participate in the global community and succeed in the workplace.
However, this decision faced criticism from some patriots who argued that there are millions of Americans within the United States that do not speak English, or also need assistance with English language education. Furthermore, there are concerns about how the grant will be implemented in a country where LGBTQ+ rights remain a contentious issue.
On the other hand, it looks like Biden is planing to grant green cards and “import” LGBTQ+ out of Muslim countries, and teaching them English is important part of this plan.
The program consists of three components, including:
- Professional development for English language teachers
- Novice teacher training
- English language instruction for transgender youth and Afghan teachers, students, and young professionals residing in Pakistan
Proposals for the component focused on transgender youth may be submitted for a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $75,000. The aim is to provide intensive professional development courses for Pakistani transgender youth aged between 13 and 25, as well as for Afghan teachers, students, and young professionals residing in Pakistan. The grant program encourages applicants to address the most effective way to reach the greatest number of Pakistani transgender youth and Afghan teachers, students, and young professionals across the country.
The grant funds will not be used for gender transitions, according to a spokesperson for the State Department. They said the department focuses on transgender youth and other marginalized communities in its education projects, as they often face significant barriers to education and employment.
The State Department's human rights report for Pakistan praises the country's Transgender Persons Protection of Rights Act, but also notes an increase in violence against transgender people and the under-representation of transgender events in public venues.
The grant is part of the Biden administration's broader efforts to promote human rights and equality for transgender people around the world. In 2021, the administration issued an executive order directing federal agencies to take steps to protect the rights of transgender people, including by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity in federal employment and housing.
The grant is also a sign of the growing recognition of the importance of education for transgender people. A 2019 study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law found that transgender people with a college degree are more likely to be employed and have higher incomes than those without a degree. The study also found that transgender people with a college degree are less likely to experience homelessness and poverty.
The Biden administration's grant is a welcome step in the fight for equality for transgender people in Pakistan. The grant will help to provide transgender youth with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and in the workplace. It will also help to raise awareness of the challenges faced by transgender people in Pakistan and to promote acceptance and inclusion.