The testimony unfolded before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, a moment that defied easy categorization. Under Secretary of State Sarah B. Rogers revealed a startling detail about a State Department initiative – a project so unusual it bordered on the unbelievable.
The project, titled “Queering the Map,” received taxpayer funding under the Biden administration. It was a crowdsourced digital effort, allowing LGBTQ individuals to anonymously share personal stories and histories linked to specific locations around the globe.
During questioning by Chairman Rep. Brian Mast, Rogers admitted the intention was, quite literally, to make the maps “more gay.” The exchange left the committee stunned, prompting further inquiry into the project’s purpose and scope.
Rogers explained the focus had been particularly directed towards the countries of Czechia and Slovakia, suggesting a deliberate targeting of those regions. Her explanation, referencing critical theory and the use of “queer” as a verb, did little to clarify the rationale behind the initiative.
A specific grant of $72,000 had been allocated to a version of the project focused solely on Slovakia. The revelation sparked immediate criticism and disbelief, raising questions about the appropriate use of public funds.
The under secretary later issued an apology to both Czechia and Slovakia, acknowledging the unusual nature of the project. She affirmed a shift in strategy, stating future grants would prioritize American interests, such as free speech and sports diplomacy.
The initiative has now been discontinued, marking a clear departure from the previous approach. Rogers emphasized a commitment to streamlining and ensuring accountability in future public diplomacy efforts.
The details of “Queering the Map” have ignited a broader conversation about the role of the State Department in promoting social agendas abroad, and the boundaries of appropriate funding allocations.
