On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump will begin his second term as the 47th President of the United States. For many of us in the transgender community—myself included—this moment stirs up a swirl of emotions: fear, anger, uncertainty, and a fierce resolve to protect ourselves and those we love. While I’ve witnessed plenty of political shifts since 1988 (the first year I cast my vote), this time feels more intense, more personal, and undeniably more hostile. Over the past year, I’ve spoken with community members around the country and in my own city. The resounding question is, “What do we do now?” We might be a small demographic, but our voices, our resilience, and our power to forge alliances are anything but small. We’ve been underestimated before—but our survival and collective spirit prove how formidable we truly are.
In this article, I want to offer practical mental health strategies to keep ourselves grounded, connected, and resilient. While we may not be able to stop every policy shift or wave of hostility from sweeping across our communities, we can take clear, decisive steps to protect our mental well-being, strengthen our support networks, and stay visible in the face of adversity. We have weathered political storms before, but this time calls for heightened vigilance, preparation, and collaboration. If you’re transgender, a family member, or an ally, read on to discover ways we can all safeguard our mental health and fortify our community during these uncertain times.
Understanding the Current Landscape
No matter how many election cycles you’ve lived through, the political climate has a unique impact on the transgender community. The rhetoric coming from certain segments of the population is unfiltered and, quite often, downright hostile. Proposed legislation targeting transgender people—from healthcare restrictions to bans on gender-affirming care for youth—feels like a direct assault on our right to exist. When one branch of government (the presidency) is in hands openly antagonistic to trans rights, it’s disconcerting; when all three branches (the presidency, the legislation, and the judiciary) align with anti-trans sentiment, it’s terrifying.
But acknowledging this reality is not the same as accepting defeat. Yes, the climate is harsh. However, identifying and anticipating these challenges allows us to prepare meaningful mental health strategies. Fear flourishes in uncertainty. By facing reality head-on and honestly naming what we’re up against, we can better shape our responses and protect ourselves and those in our community.
The political environment affects our mental health. Understanding the scope and direction of legislative changes is the first step in building a strong emotional and psychological foundation.
Why Mental Health Matters More Than Ever
Before diving into tools and strategies, let’s set the record straight about why mental health is so crucial right now. When stress levels run high over an extended period, our immune systems weaken, our moods fluctuate, and our relationships suffer. This cycle of fear and anxiety can quickly become overwhelming if we’re not careful. For transgender individuals—already navigating unique hurdles like dysphoria, possible rejection from family members, and discrimination at work—the added stress of hostile political shifts can exacerbate existing mental health challenges.
Moreover, a compromised mental state reduces our capacity to fight back and advocate effectively. If we’re too exhausted, too anxious, or too depressed, we risk burnout. Think of mental wellness as the bedrock upon which we build our activism, relationships, and overall life satisfaction. Strengthening this foundation in turbulent times is not indulgent; it’s essential. This is about survival, not just comfort.
Caring for your mental health is a proactive stance. A healthier mind is better equipped to handle challenges, support community, and engage in advocacy without burning out.
The Power of Therapy
Therapy has long been a cornerstone of mental wellness for individuals from all walks of life. For transgender people, it can be life-changing. Affirming mental health professionals can provide coping strategies for anxiety and depression, facilitate the exploration of identity in a safe space, and offer structured support during times of political turmoil.
- Finding the Right Therapist: Seek out a therapist who is not just “LGBTQ-friendly,” but truly knowledgeable about transgender issues. Look for terms like “gender-affirming,” “LGBTQ+ specialization,” or “trans-competent” in their professional profile. Word of mouth in local transgender support circles is also invaluable.
- Teletherapy Options: If in-person sessions are difficult (due to distance, scheduling conflicts, or potential legislation restricting our healthcare options), explore teletherapy. Online therapy can be just as effective and may offer more privacy and flexibility.
- Sliding Scale and Low-Cost Clinics: For individuals concerned about cost, many therapists offer sliding-scale fees. Community health centers, particularly those serving LGBTQ+ communities, also provide mental health services at reduced costs or even free.
Don’t underestimate the value of having an unbiased professional in your corner to help you untangle your emotions, develop new coping skills, and maintain resilience. Therapy won’t solve every policy debate, but it will empower you to weather them.
Strength in Community: Support Groups and Local Networks
In moments of uncertainty, isolation can be our worst enemy. That’s why building (or deepening) connections with others in the transgender community is paramount. Support groups—both online and in-person—offer a sense of solidarity that simply can’t be found anywhere else. They remind us we’re not alone in our worries or our joys.
- Local LGBTQ+ Centers: Many cities and towns (even smaller ones) have LGBTQ+ community centers that host regular support groups. Some are specifically for transgender individuals, while others welcome the entire LGBTQ+ family. Attending in-person can foster deeper, more immediate bonds.
- Peer-Led Groups: There’s something special about a group led by a fellow transgender individual who “gets it.” Peer-led groups often involve sharing personal experiences, offering mutual support, and celebrating milestones.
- Allies Are Welcome: Family members and close allies can benefit from these groups too. They often have their own parallel sessions or can join sessions designed for both trans individuals and the people who support them. This collective environment can bring people closer and dispel myths or misconceptions.
Sharing a physical or virtual space with people who understand your experiences can reduce feelings of isolation, provide validation, and strengthen communal bonds, all of which enhance emotional well-being.
RELATED: Finding Your Tribe: Building a Supportive Community as a Single Trans Person
The Digital Lifeline: Online Communities
While local networks are terrific, not everyone lives in a location with an active LGBTQ+ center or easily accessible in-person support group. That’s where online communities fill a crucial gap. With the hostility towards trans rights seemingly on the rise, being able to connect with thousands of other trans individuals and allies across the country—and even the world—offers an invaluable sense of solidarity.
- Facebook and Reddit Groups: Large and diverse, with specialized groups for every niche from trans parents to non-binary gamers. One advantage is the sheer volume of users, which means you can find support 24/7, even if you’re in a different time zone.
- Discord Servers: Highly interactive and real-time. You can join voice chats or text channels, making it easy to have conversations on the go. These servers often have moderators who enforce guidelines, ensuring a respectful environment.
- Dedicated Trans Forums and Apps: Some websites and apps focus exclusively on transgender communities. They often provide more in-depth resources, connecting members with local healthcare listings, therapists, or activism opportunities.
Always prioritize safety. If you’re not fully out, consider using an alias or carefully adjust your privacy settings. Hateful trolls do exist, but with proper privacy measures and community rules, online forums can be a remarkably empowering place to share stories, vent frustrations, and celebrate victories.
Embracing Self-Care Routines in Turbulent Times
Self-care isn’t about bubble baths and spa days (though those can be wonderful). It’s about intentional acts that nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. During times of political unrest, self-care routines become a lifeline.
- Mindful Mornings: Start each day with a grounding exercise, such as a few minutes of meditation or mindful breathing. As clichéd as it may sound, regulating your breath can dramatically reduce anxiety and set a calmer tone for the rest of the day.
- Physical Activity: Whether it’s yoga, running, dancing, or just a brisk walk around the neighborhood, physical movement releases endorphins that improve your mood and reduce stress. Find something you enjoy so that exercise becomes a pleasure, not a chore.
- Nutrition: Stress can wreak havoc on appetite, leading to under-eating or over-eating. Aim to maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Balanced nutrition can stabilize mood swings and improve overall energy levels.
- Digital Boundaries: It’s tempting to scroll through every political update. But doomscrolling can be detrimental. Limit your news consumption to specific times or sources. Constant exposure to negative headlines isn’t beneficial for mental well-being.
- Creative Outlets: Art, music, writing, and other creative pursuits offer a way to channel anxiety, anger, and fear into something constructive. Even if you don’t consider yourself artistic, dabbling in creative activities can be profoundly therapeutic.
Self-care is non-negotiable. By dedicating a little time each day to care for your body and mind, you build resilience that carries you through high-stress periods.
Building a Bigger Coalition of Allies
One of the most commonly echoed concerns I’ve heard is “We can’t do this alone; we’re too small a demographic.” That’s partially true. We are a small demographic, but we can—and must—extend our reach by tapping into broader networks of allies and supporters. The most transformative social movements in history have relied on solidarity that transcends singular identity groups.
- Family and Friends: Start close to home. Educate your family and friends about transgender issues and the realities of political hostility. Let them know how policies affect your everyday life. Allies often begin as people who love someone in the community and feel personally invested in their well-being.
- Workplace Allies: Many large companies have diversity and inclusion initiatives. Engage with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) focused on LGBTQ+ inclusion. A supportive boss or co-worker can help create a safer and more affirming environment, both at work and beyond.
- Intersectional Allies: Seek partnerships with other marginalized groups. We’re stronger together than apart. This could be racial justice groups, disability advocates, reproductive rights activists—any collective that understands what it means to be under legislative or social attack.
- Political and Community Leaders: Identify sympathetic politicians, local officials, or religious leaders. Ask them to publicly stand with the transgender community. Public figures can amplify our message in ways individuals sometimes can’t.
Yes, we are a small demographic, but we can multiply our influence through well-nurtured alliances. Each new ally is another voice that can speak out against transphobia and support our mental well-being by reducing our sense of isolation.
Advocacy as a Form of Self-Care
Engaging in activism might sound counterintuitive when you’re trying to protect your mental health, but hear me out. It’s easy to feel powerless when political systems seem stacked against us. However, taking action—even in small ways—can restore a sense of agency and purpose.
- Contact Your Elected Officials: Pick up the phone or draft an email. Let them know you’re watching how they vote on trans-related legislation. Personalized messages carry more weight than form letters.
- Volunteer: If you have time and emotional bandwidth, volunteering for local LGBTQ+ organizations can be immensely rewarding. Whether it’s helping organize events or answering calls on a peer support line, being of service fosters community connection and personal empowerment.
- Educate Others: Post informative articles on social media, host community workshops, or simply talk with neighbors and colleagues about why trans rights matter. Authentic, personal stories often sway hearts more effectively than abstract policy debates.
- Choose Your Battles Wisely: Activism doesn’t have to mean attending every protest or chaining yourself to a government building. Recognize your limits and remember that rest is also a critical part of the process.
Advocacy empowers you to be part of the solution rather than a passive observer. The act of standing up—no matter how small the gesture—can boost self-esteem and resilience in trying times.
RELATED: The New Resistance Begins: Standing Strong After 2024
Navigating Family Tension and Conflict
Political rifts often run deepest within families. The 2025 climate may strain relationships if relatives hold differing beliefs about transgender rights. Some trans folks find themselves in the painful position of having loved ones who support policies harmful to the trans community. Managing this reality can be mentally draining, but there are strategies to help.
- Set Boundaries: If a family member refuses to respect your identity or engage respectfully, limiting contact or avoiding contentious subjects might be necessary. You have the right to protect your emotional well-being.
- Use a Mediator: Sometimes, a neutral third party—such as a family therapist or a supportive mutual friend—can help facilitate difficult conversations in a constructive way.
- Seek External Support: Talking about familial conflicts in a support group or with a counselor can help you process the pain. There’s no shame in feeling hurt by relatives who don’t understand.
- Accept What You Can’t Change: Sometimes, acceptance of a painful reality—like a parent or sibling who refuses to see your humanity—can help you move forward. Acceptance doesn’t mean approval; it simply means recognizing limits to what you can influence.
Family conflicts can be some of the most damaging to our mental health. Setting boundaries and seeking help can mitigate the emotional toll, even if reconciliation isn’t always possible.
RELATED: Facing Rejection: Coping with Loved Ones’ Transphobia
Coping with Public Hostility
Beyond family strife, the public sphere can be equally harsh. With increasing visibility comes increasing backlash. News stories, social media comments, and even random interactions at the grocery store might flare up anxiety.
- Curate Your Social Media Feed: Unfollow or block accounts that spew hate. Follow activists, educators, and supportive communities. This helps maintain a more balanced environment online.
- Plan Exit Strategies: If you find yourself in a confrontational situation in public—be it a protest or a random altercation in a store—have a pre-planned “exit strategy.” This could be a friend you can call, a safe space you can move to, or a set of defusing tactics (e.g., calmly walking away).
- Self-Defense and De-escalation Training: Some local LGBTQ+ centers offer classes. Being equipped with basic self-defense or conflict de-escalation techniques can boost your confidence, even if you never need to use them.
- Document Incidents: If you experience harassment or discrimination, take notes or record details as soon as it’s safe to do so. Having a record can be empowering and may prove useful if legal action becomes necessary.
Public hostility is a harsh reality for many transgender individuals. Preparation and proactive measures can reduce the emotional impact and enhance your sense of security and control.
RELATED: Resilience in the Face of TERFs, Trolls, and Transphobes
Tapping into Crisis Hotlines and Emergency Resources
There might be times when the stress feels crushing, and immediate help is needed. In the United States, the Trevor Project provides crisis intervention services for LGBTQ+ youth, but many older trans folks also find solace there. The Trans Lifeline is another essential resource. It’s staffed by trans people for trans people, ensuring that the person on the other end of the line has some level of lived experience that fosters empathy and understanding.
If you find yourself in a mental health emergency—feeling suicidal or on the brink of self-harm—reach out immediately. Call a hotline, text a trusted friend, or go to the nearest emergency room if you’re in crisis. There is no shame in needing urgent help. The weight of political hostility can be crushing, but remember that resources exist to support you in your darkest moments.
Crisis lines and emergency resources are there to ensure no one has to face mental health emergencies alone. Keep these numbers readily available, not just for yourself but for anyone in your community who might need them.
Hope as a Radical Act
Sometimes, the best form of resistance is hope. Not a naive hope that pretends everything is fine, but a resilient hope grounded in the knowledge that we’re capable of growth, adaptation, and transformation. Even if the political winds are blowing against us right now, we’re not alone—and we’re not powerless.
Remember that every conversation, every letter to a lawmaker, every moment you choose to honor your identity in a world that tries to erase it, is an act of courage. Thousands of others are standing alongside you, whether physically present or connected through digital networks. We continue to exist, to thrive, and to shape our own futures in spite of oppressive forces.
Never underestimate the power of collective hope. It fuels action, fosters community, and sustains us in the face of adversity.
Putting It All Together: A Holistic Approach
When you combine therapy, community support, online resources, self-care routines, and meaningful advocacy work, you create a robust safety net for your mental health. Think of each strategy as a strand of rope. Alone, each strand can only handle so much tension. But braided together, they become far stronger.
It’s also important to remain flexible. Over the next four years, the political climate may shift rapidly, and your mental health needs might evolve just as fast. One month, you might need frequent therapy sessions to cope with a new round of anti-trans legislation. A few months later, you might feel secure enough to scale back therapy and direct your energy toward grassroots organizing. Give yourself permission to recalibrate as needed.
The most resilient plans are flexible, multi-faceted, and rooted in honest self-assessment. Try different strategies and revise them as your emotional, social, and political environment shifts.
The Personal Is Political (And Vice Versa)
It can be easy to separate “mental health” from the broader socio-political environment, but the two are inextricably linked—especially for the transgender community. When your existence is politicized, and your rights are subject to debate, it’s nearly impossible to avoid anxiety and stress. Acknowledging this interconnection is crucial.
This is not just about politics or elections; it’s about our humanity, our right to safe housing, employment, and healthcare. It’s about whether we can walk down the street without fear of violence or harassment. Recognizing that these everyday experiences are shaped by the decisions made in Washington, D.C. can feel overwhelming. But it can also light the spark for collective mobilization and community-led action.
Understanding that the personal is political validates the intensity of your feelings and experiences. This acknowledgment can guide you to more targeted, effective ways to maintain mental wellness.
The Bottom Line
As an older transgender woman who cast her first vote in 1988, I’ve learned that every shift in political power brings both challenges and new opportunities for growth. This particular election cycle feels unprecedented in its animosity, but we’ve survived—and thrived—amid hostility before. The key is recognizing our collective power, bolstering our mental health through comprehensive, compassionate strategies, and refusing to let fear drive us back into the shadows.
We may be a small demographic, but we’re not alone. Our families, friends, allies, and broader coalitions stand with us—ready to resist discrimination and advocate for human rights. Each of us plays a crucial role, whether through caring for our personal mental health, supporting friends through a rough patch, or championing policy change that respects our dignity and well-being.
The coming four years might be uncertain, but that doesn’t mean we face them without hope or resources. We have therapy, support groups, online communities, self-care routines, and most importantly—each other. Let’s keep talking, keep sharing, and keep advocating. It’s in our unity and collective spirit that we’ll find the strength to navigate this next term, protect our community, and ensure our voices resonate far beyond our small demographic. Together, we rise—and together, we will endure.
