Lesotho native Victoria Sethunya criticized Trump for mispronouncing her homeland and calling it unknown during a Congressional address. Sethunya, a teacher and Ph.D. candidate, protested at the Idaho State Capitol and recited Lesotho’s national anthem. She emphasized the importance of understanding the history and struggles of her country. Despite U.S. support through diplomatic relations and funding programs, there are issues with the distribution of aid, notably among LGBTQ+ organizations.
Victoria Sethunya, a native of Lesotho residing in Idaho, criticized President Donald Trump’s comments about her country during a joint address to Congress. Trump mispronounced Lesotho and remarked that it is “a nation nobody has ever heard of.” In response, Sethunya protested at the Idaho State Capitol, where she recited Lesotho’s national anthem and translated its meaning, highlighting her pride in her homeland.
Sethunya, who fled Lesotho in the 1990s due to conflict, expressed her discontent regarding Trump’s statements. As a teacher and Ph.D. candidate in mathematics, she questioned how the President could make such a inaccurate assertion, emphasizing that his remarks reflect a lack of understanding of Lesotho’s rich history and culture. “Your dismissal reeks of a failure to understand the depth of a people’s history, culture, struggles, and triumphs,” she stated.
The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Lesotho in 1966, which has fostered ongoing cooperation. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has invested nearly one billion dollars over two decades to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Lesotho.
However, Lesotho’s main LGBTQ+ rights organization reportedly hasn’t received the cited $8 million in funding. The foreign minister highlighted that USAID support mainly channels to non-government organizations, and cuts in HIV/AIDS funding impact resources significantly. He also extended an invitation to President Trump to visit Lesotho to gain firsthand knowledge of the nation.
Victoria Sethunya’s protest emphasizes the importance of accurately representing nations and their cultures. Trump’s remarks not only mispronounced Lesotho but also dismissed its significance. The ongoing diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Lesotho are crucial, particularly concerning health funding, which is essential for combating HIV/AIDS. Sethunya’s call for a more informed perspective showcases her love for her homeland and its rich heritage.
Original Source: idahonews.com
