As the results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election rolled in, LGBTQ+ youth organizations reported an alarming surge in calls, texts, and chat messages from young people struggling to cope with Donald Trump’s victory. The Trevor Project, a nonprofit offering crisis intervention and suicide prevention support to LGBTQ+ youth, noted a nearly 200% increase in election-related conversations in the 24 hours following the announcement, reflecting heightened stress levels and mental health challenges faced by young LGBTQ+ individuals nationwide.
In a statement addressing the spike, Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, said, “While alarming, we are not surprised to see that the wave of anti-LGBTQ+ politics of the past few years continues to harm young people’s mental health. The current political environment in the U.S. is heavy, but it is so important for LGBTQ+ young people to know that they do not have to shoulder this weight alone.”
Crisis Services Overwhelmed as Anxiety Spikes
The Trevor Project has been a lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth, many of whom feel isolated or unsupported in their homes and communities. Through its phone, chat, and text crisis lines, the organization offers a safe space for youth in distress. The recent increase in calls reflects a spike in “election anxiety,” a term being used to describe the distress LGBTQ+ youth feel amid Trump’s promises to roll back protections for their communities.
Throughout his election campaign, Trump pledged to revoke federal policies protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination. He also promised to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth, a move that has left many young people and their families uncertain and fearful of the future.
“Our counselors are here 24/7 for any LGBTQ+ young person who needs support—and we will never stop fighting for your right to be safe, supported, and seen exactly as you are,” Black emphasized. With many LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing long hold times for services, The Trevor Project and other organizations have ramped up efforts to expand their support infrastructure to manage the overwhelming volume of calls and messages.
Political Tensions Impact LGBTQ+ Mental Health
The impact of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric is undeniable, especially on the mental health of young people who are already facing unique challenges. According to a 2024 survey by The Trevor Project, 90% of LGBTQ+ young people reported that recent politics negatively impacted their mental well-being. This statistic is even more alarming when considering the 72% increase in suicide attempts among transgender youth, a tragic figure The Trevor Project attributes to anti-trans policies and political rhetoric.
Other LGBTQ+ organizations, such as the Rainbow Youth Project, report a similar uptick in demand for crisis support. The organization revealed in a statement that it had received over 3,800 calls just this month, demonstrating how significantly political changes affect the community.
The Weight of Anti-Transgender Rhetoric
For transgender youth, Trump’s reelection brings a particularly heavy burden. Throughout his campaign, Trump and his supporters launched aggressive anti-transgender ad campaigns, spending over $120 million on messages that painted transgender individuals as threats to society. In addition, Trump has openly mischaracterized gender-affirming care, referring to it as “child abuse” and vowing to prohibit it for minors. These messages have left LGBTQ+ youth fearful not only for their futures but for their immediate safety in their communities.
During the election season, LGBTQ+ youth have reached out to crisis lines, expressing concerns about discrimination, bullying, and a lack of support from peers and family members. For many young people, the recent political environment has brought heightened anxiety, isolation, and a fear of being misunderstood or unsupported in their identities.
Elizabeth Ortiz-Schwartz, a psychiatrist specializing in LGBTQ+ youth, commented on the shifting landscape: “Previously, there was a better sense of fitting in and having a supportive environment in schools and other settings, but now many feel that they cannot trust peers and adults to be supportive of their needs.”
The Role of Allies and Community Support
In response to the overwhelming need, LGBTQ+ organizations are encouraging allies to step forward and offer support. Mental health professionals and advocates advise friends, family members, and allies of LGBTQ+ individuals to provide emotional support and a listening ear to help relieve the weight of election-related fears.
Practical acts of care—like preparing a meal, offering a quiet space for relaxation, or spending time together—can help. Brent Satterly, a social work professor, advises, “A good clinical strategy when somebody is wanting to talk is to ask, ‘Do you want a hug, some food, problem-solving, or just a listening ear?’ These are simple but effective ways to support someone instead of offering solutions or dismissing their concerns.”
Accessing Immediate Support
Recognizing the ongoing challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth, crisis hotlines and mental health organizations remain vigilant in providing round-the-clock support. For those seeking immediate help, The Trevor Project offers 24/7 crisis support over phone (1-866-488-7386), chat, or text (text “START” to 678-678). Additional resources include:
- Crisis Text Line: Text “TALK” to 741741 for free, confidential support.
- LGBT National Hotline: Call 888-843-4564 for emotional support and resources.
- Trans Lifeline: A hotline offering peer support specifically for trans individuals, reachable at 877-565-8860.
For those seeking community and connection, TrevorSpace offers an online platform for LGBTQ+ youth aged 13-24, providing a safe space for youth to connect, find support, and build friendships.
Building Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Despite the rise in crisis calls and the concerning political climate, LGBTQ+ advocates emphasize the importance of building resilience and seeking support from allies and communities. Jaymes Black encourages LGBTQ+ youth to disconnect from social media, take mental health breaks, and seek out safe spaces where they can express their identities without fear of judgment or hostility. The Trevor Project is also actively working to create more resources that empower LGBTQ+ youth to cope with political stressors and build resilience.
Community leaders like Aaron Schekorra, director of The GLO Center in Missouri, are stepping up to provide physical spaces where young people can decompress. The GLO Center, for instance, opened its doors on election night as a place for “post-election decompression” and plans to continue offering support in the challenging days ahead.
Schekorra emphasizes, “Some of the most important work we can do is making sure that the vulnerable among us are connected to our communities. That way, when we start feeling the impacts of this election beyond the immediate mental and emotional toll, we can respond and keep individuals safe, providing the resources they need.”
The Bottom Line
For many LGBTQ+ youth, the uncertainty surrounding the future can be overwhelming, but support networks, both online and in-person, serve as crucial lifelines. The Trevor Project and other LGBTQ+ organizations are working to remind young people that they are not alone in their struggles.
“LGBTQ+ young people, your life matters,” Black affirmed in a recent statement. “You were born to live it, and no election result changes that truth.”
As allies and advocates work to support LGBTQ+ youth through this turbulent time, community members are encouraged to reach out, stay connected, and find strength in the network of support that exists for them. Whether through family, friends, or the dedicated work of organizations like The Trevor Project, the message remains clear: LGBTQ+ youth are valued, and they do not have to face their challenges alone.
