By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following Donald Trump’s reelection, the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender individuals, expressed profound fear and anxiety regarding the potential erosion of their rights. Trump’s campaign, marked by significant anti-trans rhetoric and advertising, fueled this concern, alongside a documented surge in crisis calls following the election results. This fear stems from Trump’s past record of dismantling LGBTQ+ protections and his embrace of policies outlined in Project 2025, a conservative policy handbook advocating for the elimination of LGBTQ+ terminology and rights from federal policy. The community is bracing for potential attacks on healthcare access, legal recognition, and anti-discrimination protections under a second Trump administration.
Read the original article here
LGBTQ Americans and the 2024 election have left many feeling unwelcome and unsafe, a sentiment echoing across the nation. The election results, though not explicitly targeting the LGBTQ community, have nonetheless created a palpable sense of fear and anxiety. Many feel that the rhetoric and actions of certain political factions have signaled a lack of acceptance and even outright hostility. This feeling isn’t new, but the current political climate has intensified pre-existing anxieties.
The feeling of being unwelcome isn’t merely a perception; it’s a lived experience rooted in a perceived threat to their very existence. The targeting of transgender rights, the casual use of hateful language, and the feeling that societal values are shifting against their community contribute to the sense of alienation. This isn’t about wanting special treatment, it’s about the basic desire to exist and thrive without facing constant hostility.
The perceived threat is not limited to physical harm; the fear of losing hard-fought rights and the constant barrage of misinformation and hateful rhetoric creates a climate of emotional distress. This impacts daily life, from the simple act of holding hands with a partner to seeking employment and medical care. The potential erosion of rights is palpable, fostering a sense of uncertainty and instability for the future.
The sense of being under attack is further fueled by the feeling that their concerns are being dismissed or ignored by a large portion of the population. The statement that “the world isn’t about them” rings hollow for those who face constant discrimination and marginalization. The ironic use of terms like “grooming” to attack the LGBTQ community adds insult to injury. It’s not just about policy; it’s about a basic lack of human dignity and respect.
Some are drawing parallels between the current situation and the Civil Rights era of the 1950s-70s, citing similarities in the struggle for equality, the tactics of oppression, and the slow, arduous fight for progress. Even in relatively liberal enclaves, the feeling of erosion of rights is keenly felt. For many, the choice is not between fighting and giving up, but between fighting and fleeing, seeking refuge where they can live without fear of constant harassment.
The fear extends beyond the LGBTQ community itself. Many allies also feel a sense of unease and concern about the direction of the country and the escalating rhetoric against vulnerable groups. The political climate has empowered hateful ideologies and emboldened those who wish to harm or marginalize others. This results in a widespread sense of unease, extending to atheists, minorities and immigrants who feel increasingly unwelcome and vulnerable.
The sense of being unwelcome is not just emotional; it’s also strategic. Some are beginning to actively strategize for self-protection, ranging from renewed documentation to increasing self-defense capabilities. This isn’t a sign of defeat but rather an expression of self-preservation in a hostile climate. The feeling is one of being pushed to a point of self-defense, both physically and politically.
Even those who believe that the long-term arc of history bends towards justice are struggling with the immediate reality of the fear and insecurity they face. The lack of political power and the feeling of being overwhelmed by a surge in hateful rhetoric and actions leave many feeling disillusioned and hopeless.
The response to this feeling of unwelcome is complex and multifaceted. While some are choosing to leave, others remain resolute in their commitment to fighting for their rights and their place in society. However, even for those who plan to remain, the reality of fear and the daily struggle against discrimination will continue to define their experience.
The experience of LGBTQ Americans in the wake of the 2024 election highlights a fundamental fault line in American society: the struggle for inclusion and acceptance for those who do not fit the dominant cultural norms. The feeling of being unwelcome is not a partisan issue, but a symptom of a deeper societal illness that must be addressed if America is to live up to its ideals of equality and justice for all. The path forward is uncertain, but the urgent need for change is undeniable.