LGBTQ Issues Not a Current Priority for US Ambassador Bauer

Ambassador Bauer was also questioned about whether LGBTQ issues would form part of his diplomatic agenda in Belize. The question comes against the backdrop of policy changes introduced by the Trump administration, particularly in relation to transgender rights and federal diversity initiatives.  When asked where he personally stands and whether he intends to engage Belize’s LGBTQ community, Bauer indicated that the issue is not currently among the priorities on his radar. He instead pointed to other areas on which he intends to focus during his tenure.

André Bauer, U.S.Ambassador to Belize: “With all the things that I’ve got that are important to me I don’t know that that’s at the top of my agenda. We’ve had a lot of priorities and those priorities are about really bringing our two countries together even closer, providing opportunities for Belizeans, continuing to make both of our countries stronger, looking at immigration policy looking at what we can do on the drug front to eliminate drugs coming into this country and those are my priorities.”

Since returning to office, US President Donald Trump has moved to recognise only two sexes across the federal government, restrict transgender participation in women’s sports, end federal support for gender-transition procedures involving minors and roll back diversity, equity and inclusion programmes.