LGBTQ Community Expresses Fear and Anxiety Over Trump’s Presidency

Noah Reddy, a senior at Summit Preparatory Charter High School in Redwood City, was just two weeks shy of turning 18 before the 2024 presidential election. Had they been eligible to vote, Reddy shared that they would have cast their ballot for former Vice President Kamala Harris. As a nonbinary lesbian, Reddy said they felt frustrated and fearful of President Donald Trump’s potential re-election, especially with a ballot measure to codify marriage equality also being up for vote.

Reddy's concerns reflect the anxiety felt by many members of the LGBTQ+ community during this period. The Trevor Project, an organization focused on suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth, reported a 200% increase in election-related conversations across its 24/7 crisis services.

Fears of Growing Anti-LGBTQ Sentiment

Reddy and others expressed deep concern over the anti-LGBTQ and racist rhetoric that has become more prevalent online. This is particularly distressing for transgender and nonbinary individuals, many of whom are worried about the future of gender-affirming care. On January 20, one of Trump’s first executive orders sought to officially recognize only the male and female sexes, a move that many view as a direct threat to transgender rights.

As the fear of losing hard-won LGBTQ+ rights intensifies, local organizations such as the San Mateo County Pride Center are working diligently to provide resources and safe spaces for the community. In the days following the election, the Pride Center saw a significant increase in visitors seeking mental health support, according to Frankie Sapp, the Center's director.

Safe Spaces and Support in a Challenging Time

To help the community cope, the Pride Center transformed into a refuge for people looking to escape the turmoil, offering activities such as arts and crafts, video games, and simply a place to relax among supportive peers. Sapp believes that this growing sense of anxiety is further exacerbated by Trump’s track record, but it has also galvanized efforts to organize and take action. He emphasized that the impacts of the presidency are felt differently across various members of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, depending on factors like age, race, and disability status.

Every staff member at the Pride Center is also a member of the LGBTQ+ community, which allows them to bring their lived experiences into their work. According to Sapp, this shared understanding strengthens their commitment to providing meaningful support for others. The Center regularly holds staff check-ins, self-care days, and appreciation parties to ensure that their team can balance their personal well-being with their vital work supporting the community.

Support from Local Leaders

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors reaffirmed its commitment to protecting marginalized communities, including immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities, on January 29. District 3 Supervisor Ray Mueller addressed transgender youth, assuring them that they are loved and valued by the county.

LGBTQ+ Youth Experience Increased Anxiety

As the election approached, the portrayal of transgender individuals in the media caused heightened distress among LGBTQ+ youth. Mimir Castro, director of the Outlet Program, a local nonprofit offering counseling for LGBTQ+ youth, shared that many youth expressed fear over increasing hostility and lack of acceptance. These challenges are especially difficult for young people who rely on their parents or guardians for medical treatments, like hormone therapy, and may feel powerless in political decisions that affect their lives.

Reddy, who is also a teen leader at SafeSpace, a local youth-led mental health organization, shared that some of their transgender friends began hormone treatment before the election, fearing that their access to care might be restricted. They expressed concern about the future, saying, "There’s a lot of people having fears for their future, that they won’t be able to be the person that they want to be."

Navigating Political Uncertainty

As many youth prepare to leave for college, the political climate in various states is influencing their decisions on where to attend. "Now that I’m going off to college, I have to think about what state I want to be in so that I know my rights will be protected," Reddy explained. With issues like trans healthcare and access to sports becoming state-specific, young people like Reddy are weighing the political landscape in their search for safe spaces.

Even within high schools, Reddy noted that they’ve heard misogynistic comments and jokes about Trump regaining power after the election. "It was really difficult to hear people say things like that," they said. "You don’t realize there are people at your own school or in your community that harbor these feelings."

Youth-Centered Support and Empowerment

Organizations like Outlet and SafeSpace provide crucial resources where youth can access mental health support, express themselves freely, and build connections within a community that understands their struggles. Youth-focused spaces are vital for providing a safe haven where young LGBTQ+ individuals can navigate their independence and sexual identity.

"The goal with LGBTQ youth spaces is that we help them not feel so alone," said Castro. "One of the biggest signs or symptoms we see with youth experiencing anxiety and depression around their sexuality or gender is isolation, and that can be really dangerous."

At Outlet, staff are also attuned to the unique struggles of youth whose parents may be involved in the immigration process, especially with Trump's policies around deportation and birthright citizenship. These concerns add another layer of stress, and staff are trained to support both the youth and their families through these challenging times.

For young people like Reddy, places like SafeSpace provide vital affirmation. "Maybe right now, our country doesn’t accept me, but I know that there’s at least this place where I am," they said, emphasizing the importance of spaces where LGBTQ+ youth can feel empowered and heard.