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.
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North Korea’s recent claim to mobilise 1.4 million youth for a “Holy War” is raising eyebrows and sparking concern worldwide. As an atheist state, it is perplexing to see this regime suddenly embrace a religiously-charged term like “Holy War” for their military efforts. The idea of using such a massive number of young soldiers raises questions about the true motivations behind this mobilisation. Are they truly preparing for a war that will never happen, or is this just another ploy to maintain control and instill fear?
The sheer scale of this mobilisation is mind-boggling. 1.4 million young soldiers potentially being thrown into a conflict zone without proper training, equipment, or even adequate nourishment is a recipe for disaster.… Continue reading
As a parent, the idea that schools in California are now banned from notifying parents of a child’s pronoun change has sparked a range of emotions in me. On one hand, I understand the importance of creating a safe environment for children, especially those who may be struggling with their identity and fear the repercussions of sharing that with their parents. The stories of kids who have been homeless, abused, or even killed for being true to themselves are heartbreaking reminders of the harsh realities faced by LGBTQ youth.
The argument that if a child doesn’t feel comfortable sharing their pronoun change with their parents, then it’s a failure on the part of the parents, strikes a chord with me.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker