LGBTQ+ Youth Crisis Calls Surge 700% After Election Day
Following the announcement of Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election, The Trevor Project, a leading LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention organization, experienced a staggering 700% increase in calls, texts, and chats. This surge in outreach reflects the heightened anxiety and fear among LGBTQ+ youth, who are concerned about the potential impact of Trump’s policies and rhetoric on their lives and well-being. The organization’s crisis services, normally focused on supporting LGBTQ+ youth navigating personal issues, are now primarily addressing the “election anxiety” experienced by young people who feel increasingly vulnerable and uncertain about their future. This influx of calls for help is a direct consequence of a political environment that has normalized transphobia, with Trump’s campaign actively promoting harmful narratives about transgender individuals and vowing to implement policies that would restrict LGBTQ+ rights.
John Q. Hosedrinker