LGBTQ Youth React After Trump Wins 2024 Presidential Election: “We Must Move On”

“As a queer individual, I woke up this morning to the sound of my wife’s silent sobs as she tried not to wake me up with the burden of the reality we currently live in. As a newlywed couple, we only recently moved from New York to Florida, and now we feel swamped in a sea of ​​red with no way out. I work as a PhD student and my research and work focuses on training and advancing knowledge to dismantle LGBTQ+ health inequities, especially for our most vulnerable trans community. I’m so passionate about this work – about challenging systems that marginalize us, especially within healthcare organizations. Today I feel defeated. The emotional toll of this political climate is overwhelming. But tomorrow I’ll pick myself up again. I continue with my work because I know how important it is; How necessary it is, especially in Florida. We need voices in the darkness to guide us to a path of light.” -Hanna Birenbaum

“I just want a meaningful life; falling in love, taking care of my family, writing beautiful literature, looking at myself in the mirror and admiring what I see. What about the life I thought I had here? I am moved to tears as I see the life I was building crumbling before me.” -Malika Saint Laurent

And if you’re angry, that’s right

“When I saw the first numbers, I had a panic attack. I had to go outside to clear my head. I asked myself, “Is this nation really united by hate?” This person has openly stated that he intends to do so block Medicare and Medicaid for doctors who provide gender-affirming care, to prevent federal agencies from doing so acknowledge the legitimacy of gender transitions at any age, and to launch investigations into the medical industry, implying that it has hidden the alleged long-term harm of these treatments from people gain. To be honest, I’m angry. I am deeply upset. I know these emotions alone won’t bring about change, but it’s what I feel. This is not the time for me to grieve or rage; it is time to call for further political involvement. I have never felt safe as a transgender woman. The culture that manages a Trump presidency will make this worse. My advice to young trans girls is this: carry pepper spray and develop a good support system.” – Ryann Lynn Murphy

It’s okay to ask for help

“To every LGBTQ+ person, but especially to our youth: I know your heart may be hurting just as much as mine. Your pain, your fear, your shock: it’s all valid. Please take care of yourself now. If you are struggling, please reach out The Trevor Project Lifeline (1-866-488-7386) is available 24/7 for people who understand what we are going through. You can also call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Find your chosen family, your supportive friends, your local LGBTQ+ organizations. None of us are alone in this. Even through this heartbreak, I know that the strength of our community comes from our unity, our love for each other, and our refusal to be erased. have faced darkness before. We will hold each other back. We will survive this together.” – Desi Napoleones

Take some steps to prepare

“I would advise everyone to prepare as much as possible for the next sixty days. I have a GYN appointment next week, my girlfriend is trying to get a tubal ligation, their sister is making an appointment for an IUD. We must ensure the safety of ourselves and others while we still can. Find comfort in yourself, your friends, communities and family (whether blood or found). Create art, write stories, express yourself in any way you can. Collect resources and emergency numbers.” – Finnick Brown

Survival is resistance

“As a trans person, surviving is the most important thing we can do right now. The Trump administration has laid out how they plan to erase transgender people from existence, so our strongest act of resistance is its existence. Our community and the care we can give each other are our greatest resource. What I remember most about that 2016 election day was my first lesson. The teacher did not continue with the lesson as usual. She talked to us about the election results and also gave us the space to talk. She wore a safety pin and explained that it is important that we are always safe with her. I remember many of my peers also had safety pins. We got through his first term and were able to develop. I am now a graduate student researching the trans community in my area and showing how resilient we are. This is not the time to lose hope. We will get through the next term and prosper with each other’s support.” -Charlie Suor