The LGBTQ+ community faces one of the darkest times in memory. American voters have reelected Donald Trump — not through a constitutional loophole but by a majority of the popular vote.
To be frank, this is terrifying. It is beyond heartbreaking to know that people across this nation voted in a convicted felon who has targeted Transgender people, has been found guilty by a jury of sexual abuse, and promises to round up immigrants and refugees.

People everywhere are in fear for their families, futures, and freedoms. The Trevor Helpline, a crisis line for LGBT+ youth, saw a 700% increase in calls following the election. The LGBT National Hotline saw a fivefold increase.

Trump's anti-LGBTQ+ cabinet choices and alt-right pundits confirm our worst fears that Project 2025 has been the blueprint for his next term all along. Together, his nominees aim to undo decades of LGBTQ+ progress.

With Trump's nomination of anti-Trans fearmonger Robert F. Kennedy Jr., we will see rollbacks on public insurance programs providing gender-affirming care and PrEP. With Linda McMahon as secretary of education, we will see more school districts banning books that promote tolerance. McMahon, cofounder of the America First Policy Institute, aims to limit federal funding to any public school that teaches lessons on race, racism, sexuality, and gender.

We will see more of our neighbors, encouraged by a new era of Trumpism, perpetuate physical and emotional violence against us. In fact, this has already begun around the nation. Immediately following the election, Black people started receiving threatening text messages telling them they had been "selected to pick cotton." Two weeks later, immigrants reported similar messages, telling them to prepare for an ICE roundup,. A Lesbian was told via text to report to an eight-week "LGB re-education camp" on Inauguration Day; it added that Trans people will be sent to "work camps" indefinitely.

Strength through unity
Though it's frightening, in times of great struggle, we must remember that we are not powerless. When LGBTQ+ people speak out and continue to show up for one another, we find our greatest strengths as a community.

During the Lavender Scare in the 1950s, we stood in solidarity with those unfairly targeted for their gender and sexual orientation. In 1969, a diverse group including drag queens and Trans women of color united to riot against oppression outside the Stonewall Inn and sparked a movement to obtain equal rights. During the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and '90s, we united to care for the sick and dying and agitate for needed funding, research, and treatments.

Our community is built upon the legacy of standing up for one another, and we will continue to do this. Our rights will not be taken away in silence. We are prepared to fight back through peaceful nonviolence and civil disobedience against unjust laws and policies.

In the coming administration, people will seek to divide us. There will be opportunities for those whom Vice President-Elect JD Vance has referred to as "normal Gays" — so long as they are willing to turn their backs on their Queer and Trans siblings. It is essential for our survival that we remain united, stand up for the most vulnerable, and continue to fight to protect the rights of all Americans.

Washington
Here in Washington state, we are privileged to have dedicated government officials fighting to protect our rights. Marriage equality is the law in our state, and so are protections against discrimination. Governor-elect Bob Ferguson said he is committed to defending LGBTQ+ rights. City councilmembers, including the incoming Alexis Mercedes Rinck, are already preparing to cement protections for immigrants, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and disabled people in Seattle.

It may come as a relief to live in one of the safest cities for LGBTQ+ rights in America, but we cannot just keep our heads down. We must use our privilege and safety as tools to help those more vulnerable than ourselves. We will see an influx of new residents who will flee anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and prejudices to find safety and comfort. When they do, we will welcome them. We can use our state as an example of what the rest of the country can be if people choose love over hate.

No apathy
For many, relocation is not an option, so from the safety of our homes we can use our voices to support those stuck in regressive states. We can donate to organizations that provide resources and aid, speak out and lobby our representatives in Washington, DC, to fight for our rights, and show our support in as many ways as we can.

If we give it space, apathy will be our downfall: we can't give up. Showing up for community members will be essential in the coming years.

If you are angry, tell your elected leaders, but don't give up on democracy — show up for the next election or attend city council and school board meetings.. Our allies can support the LGBTQ+ community and protect their rights by educating and advocating at all levels, investing in mutual aid, donating to a local GoFundMe to cover medical or travel expenses, and celebrating all the small victories with our found families.


Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling right now, please reach out to the following resources:
• The National LGBT Helpline can be reached at 888-843-4564 for free confidential support, information, and local LGBTQ+ resources
• The Trans Lifeline, a confidential 24/7 peer support phone service run by Trans people for Trans and questioning people, can be reached at 877-565-8860.
• The Trevor Project, which provides free confidential crisis counseling to LGBTQ+ young people, can be reached at 866-488-7386.
• For the Suicide Prevention Lifeline in your community, dial 988.

The SGN Editorial Board comprises Publisher Renee Raketty, Editor Hannah Saunders, Digital Engagement Editor Aisha Misbah, Staff Writer Lindsey Anderson, and rotating members of the SGN staff.