By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following Donald Trump’s election victory, LGBTQ advocacy groups have reported a surge in calls and messages to their crisis hotlines, particularly among transgender individuals. The Trevor Project witnessed a nearly 700% increase in outreach, with many callers expressing distress over Trump’s campaign rhetoric and policies targeting the transgender community. This surge in support requests underscores the significant impact of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and legislation on mental health, particularly among transgender youth, who are already at higher risk of suicide and suicide attempts.
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The election results sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community, particularly among transgender individuals. The campaign had been saturated with anti-trans ads, a strategy that many believe contributed to the outcome. This onslaught of negativity and misinformation left many feeling vulnerable and targeted, causing a surge in calls to crisis hotlines.
The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth, reported a significant increase in calls following the election. Many trans individuals expressed fear and anxiety about the future, worrying about the potential loss of hard-won rights and protections. This fear was fueled by the rhetoric used during the campaign, which often portrayed transgender people as a threat to society, particularly to women and children.
The focus on trans rights during the campaign was largely driven by the opposing side, who used it as a wedge issue to mobilize their base and sow fear among voters. This tactic appears to have been successful, as polls suggest that a significant portion of the population holds negative views towards transgender individuals, particularly regarding transgender women in sports and gender-affirming care for children.
Many LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly trans people, feel that the Democratic Party has failed to adequately protect them and their rights. They argue that the party’s focus on trans issues, while well-intentioned, may have inadvertently alienated moderate voters who are not as comfortable with the more progressive aspects of the LGBTQ+ rights agenda.
This situation highlights a complex and often divisive issue within the LGBTQ+ community. While many advocate for the full and unconditional acceptance of transgender people, others believe that the movement has moved too quickly and alienated a significant portion of the population. This internal debate, coupled with the increasing hostility from the opposing party, creates a challenging environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.
The future for transgender people remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the fight for equality and acceptance continues. Many LGBTQ+ individuals are determined to persevere and continue advocating for their rights, regardless of the political climate. The resilience and determination of the LGBTQ+ community have been evident throughout history, and this current challenge is likely to only strengthen their resolve.