As a queer person living under another Donald Trump presidency, I have to admit, I’m scared. The last time Trump was president, I was living in a bubble: a small, liberal arts college where students (mostly) banded together in the face of prejudice. And now, I still live in a bit of a bubble, as a resident of one of the most liberal cities in the country, with a network of loved ones who support me.
But despite all this, I still fear what could happen in the next four years, and I worry for those who have even less protection than I. And it is not an irrational fear; Trump has given the LGBTQ+ community many reasons to be worried. Not only was his first term defined by hateful rhetoric, but the path to his second term in office has been riddled with proposals to eliminate LGBTQ+ rights. Trans and nonbinary people have been the biggest target, with Agenda 47 promising to reverse Joe Biden’s policies on gender-affirming care, keep federal agencies from assisting in medical transitioning, prevent trans athletes from participating in sports, and more.
These pointed attacks were only confirmed at Trump’s inauguration on Monday, where he said, “As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders—male and female.” He then quickly signed two executive orders—one declares that the U.S. government will only recognize two sexes, male and female, replacing the use of the word “gender” on governmental documents; while the other rolls back diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across federal agencies.
It can be hard not to lose hope as many more years of Trump loom before us, but the truth is that LGBTQ+ people have existed for centuries, and no matter what actions the new president takes, queer and trans people will continue to exist, and fight for our freedoms, long after him. This is not a time to back down, but to band together, and to look out for each other in all the ways that we can.
Thus, I’ve rounded up a list of resources that LGBTQ+ people can turn to below, whether you’re in need of crisis prevention, shelter, legal aid, educational support, or simply comfort. No matter what happens, our community can never be taken away from us.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention nonprofit for young LGBTQ+ people. You can contact the organization on its 24/7 hotline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) or message someone on TrevorChat for counseling support and crisis intervention.
Equality Federation
The Equality Federation is a nonprofit organization that works with state-based advocacy groups to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people, while also providing up-to-date tracking on legislation that affects queer and trans people.
The National Coalition for the Homeless
With a network of activists, advocates, providers, and more, the National Coalition for the Homeless seeks to end homelessness across the U.S., while providing education and resources for those who may already be in need of shelter.
The National LGBTQ Task Force
The National LGBTQ Task Force is a coalition of activists dedicated to mobilizing and organizing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in the hope of promoting progressive change.
The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund
A nonprofit dedicated to ending discrimination against transgender people, the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund provides pro bono services to low-income trans and nonbinary people, while also leading impact litigation and more.
Trans People of Color Coalition
The Trans People of Color Coalition (TPOCC) is the only national social justice nonprofit dedicated to supporting trans people of color.
Visit the website
TransAthlete
For any students, coaches, or administrators dealing with discrimination in sports, TransAthlete acts as a resource that breaks down the policies for trans athletes around the world, while providing templates for letters to write to legislators and more.
Trans Lifeline
Run for and by trans people, Trans Lifeline offers a grassroots hotline at (877) 565-8860 in an effort to connect trans people to community support and resources.
Campus Pride Index
A free online tool for prospective students to investigate the LGBTQ-inclusive policies, programs, and practices of higher institutions across the United States.
Point Foundation
An organization offering support and resources to LGBTQ+ students across the United States, with scholarships awarded each year, as well as leadership and community resources.
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund
The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund seeks to support pro-equality, pro-choice LGBTQ+ candidates at all levels of government, with the goal of increasing the number of queer and trans politicians in office through fundraising, education, and more.
Hey I’m Trans
A step-by-step guide for trans people trying to navigate coming out at home, at work, or even online.
The Bisexual Resource Center
The Bisexual Resource Center seeks to connect bi, pan, and queer people with resources and support through various events and educational campaigns.
The National Center for Lesbian Rights
The first national LGBTQ legal organization founded by women, the NCLR is a nonprofit, public interest law firm that is committed to advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ people through litigation, legislation, policy, and public education.
Lambda Legal
Lambda Legal offers legal representation, advocacy, and more for LGBTQ+ folks and people living with HIV who have experienced any form of discrimination.
SAGE
A national advocacy and services organization that is dedicated to aiding LGBTQ+ elders, with over 70 partner centers located across the United States.
The Anti-Violence Project
A free, 24/7 crisis intervention hotline provided in English and Spanish at (212) 714-1141, the Anti-Violence Project seeks to help survivors of violence who are LGBTQ+ or affected by HIV.
