In Hetauda, Nepal, a woman stands under the dim glow of truck lights, facing the possibility of danger with every transaction. For Rubi Lama, a transgender individual, this is now a nightly ritual as she navigates the world of sex work to stay alive. She once roamed these same streets as an aid worker, committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ sex workers she now stands alongside.
After a significant reduction in U.S. foreign aid, Lama and over 280,000 others globally were cast into unemployment. Lama spent nine years dedicated to HIV outreach among marginalized groups in Nepal. With limited legal job options for openly transgender individuals, many aid workers like Lama had few choices for survival. In total, around 100 LGBTQ+ aid workers in Nepal have turned to sex work.
The health implications are severe. The cuts eliminated access to vital HIV prevention medications, escalating concerns about increased infection rates. On the highway, amidst blaring horns and drunk men, Lama, 28, walks a path filled with fear of disease and violence—experiences shared by her former colleagues.
Princy Tamang, another former aid worker now engaged in sex work, shares similar fears. The transition brought risks like unprotected sex and client violence, echoing the broader impact experienced throughout Nepal. The once-bustling headquarters of Friends Hetauda now sits vacant. Its services, pivotal to central Nepal’s LGBTQ+ community, ceased when U.S. President Donald Trump eliminated USAID funding. These changes affected 35,000 aid workers in Nepal alone.
“The Trump administration’s decision has life-threatening consequences,” said Manisha Dhakal, executive director of the Blue Diamond Society.
The organization lost essential funding, leaving numerous clients without access to preventative HIV treatments. Many former employees turned to sex work, facing discrimination, violence, and health risks. Services like HIV testing dropped globally by 22%, and condom funding fell dramatically.
Aashika Tamang, formerly with Friends Hetauda, recalls her prior role with a sense of loss. Now, she endures regular abuse and meets the individuals she once assisted under vastly different circumstances. This reversal is emblematic of the broader crisis affecting former aid workers turned to sex work.
On the side of the highway, Lama confronts financial despair. She has little choice but to continue her nightly routine. Her story, similar to that of her colleagues, highlights the harsh reality faced by many after aid cuts. For them, every night is a fight for survival.
The chance for safety and purpose feels far away for many, as they navigate an existence fraught with danger and desperation. The road to some form of salvation remains uncertain without alternative support or funding.