The night of the recent presidential election was a turning point for many in the LGBTQ+ community. As results rolled in, emotions ran high—hope, fear, anticipation, and anxiety mingled in the hearts of countless individuals. For me, a transgender woman dedicated to supporting one of the most marginalized communities through TransVitae.com, that night became a profound lesson in the urgency of reaching out to those who need us the most.
Yesterday, after attending a local LGBTQ+ meetup group, I felt a rare sense of optimism. Surrounded by resilient souls, we shared stories, laughter, and a mutual belief that, regardless of political outcomes, our community would remain strong. The re-election of Donald Trump seemed less daunting in that warm circle of support. But upon returning home, that fragile hope was shattered by devastating news.
A young transgender girl I had been mentoring had taken her own life. She was just beginning her journey, bravely coming out to her parents, only to be met with rejection and homelessness. The weight of her struggles became too much to bear. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I grappled with the pain—a pain that seems all too familiar in our community. I couldn’t help but blame myself for not reaching out sooner and for being so consumed with my own life that I missed the signs of her deepening despair.
This article is a reflection of that pain and a call to action. We all lead busy lives, but we must not forget those who are silently crying out for help. By sharing statistics, personal experiences, and resources, I hope to shed light on the vulnerabilities within the transgender community and inspire others to extend a compassionate hand.
The Alarming Rise in Crisis Calls
In the wake of the election, organizations like The Trevor Project—a leading provider of suicide prevention and crisis intervention services for LGBTQ+ youth—reported a significant surge in crisis contacts. Between November 3rd and 4th, conversations related to the election spiked by 200%, compared to just a few days prior. Key words like “election” and “rights” dominated these distressing communications.
Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, noted, “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.” Their research found that 90% of LGBTQ+ young people said recent politics negatively impacted their well-being. Transgender youth, in particular, have been disproportionately affected, with anti-transgender policies increasing suicide attempts among them by as much as 72%.
Other organizations echoed these findings. The Rainbow Youth Project reported receiving over 3,810 calls in just six days—surpassing their monthly average. The influx of distress signals underscores a harsh reality: the current political climate is exacerbating the mental health crisis among LGBTQ+ youth.
RELATED: Crisis Calls Surge for LGBTQ+ Youth Amid Trump Election
The Impact of Anti-Transgender Rhetoric
The fears gripping the transgender community are not unfounded. Misinformation and negative rhetoric about providing gender-affirming care for transgender people tainted the re-election campaign. False claims about “brutal” gender operations in schools and labeling gender-affirming healthcare as “child abuse” have stoked fear and confusion.
Promises to revoke federal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, along with pledges to stop gender-affirming care for minors, have cast a shadow over the future of transgender rights. These political attacks have tangible consequences. The Trevor Project’s research indicates that anti-transgender legislation correlates with increased suicide attempts among transgender youth.
The loss of the young girl I was mentoring is a tragedy that words cannot fully capture. She was vibrant, intelligent, and full of potential. Yet, the rejection she faced and the societal pressures became an unbearable burden. I keep replaying our last conversations in my mind, wondering if I could have said or done something differently.
Her story is not an isolated incident. Many transgender individuals face similar hardships—family rejection, homelessness, discrimination, and mental health struggles. As someone who has dedicated my life to providing resources and support through TransVitae.com, I am acutely aware of these challenges. But awareness is not enough. We must take proactive steps to reach out, listen, and offer unwavering support.
The Role of Community and Allies
Community support is a lifeline for those struggling with their identity and acceptance. It’s crucial for LGBTQ+ individuals to find safe spaces where they can express themselves without fear of judgment or hostility. Local organizations, support groups, and online communities play a vital role in fostering these environments.
Allies, too, have a significant part to play. Genuine allyship involves more than just expressing support; it requires action. Listening without judgment, educating oneself about the issues facing the transgender community, and standing up against discrimination are all essential steps.
For those unsure how to help, sometimes the simplest gestures mean the most—a phone call to check in, an invitation to share a meal, or just being present can make a profound difference.
Mental Health Resources and Support
While community support is invaluable, professional mental health services are critical, especially during times of crisis. Organizations like The Trevor Project offer 24/7 support through phone, text, and chat services. These resources are staffed by trained counselors who understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth.
- The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678-678.
- Trans Lifeline: A peer support service run by trans people for trans and questioning callers. Call 877-565-8860.
- LGBT National Youth Talkline: Call 800-246-7743 for free and confidential peer support.
Encouraging those who are struggling to reach out to these services can be life-saving. Additionally, educating families about the importance of acceptance and support can help prevent the isolation that often leads to despair.
A Message to Those Left Behind
To the friends and families who have lost a loved one, please know that you are not alone in your grief. Losing someone to suicide is an indescribable pain, filled with questions, guilt, and what-ifs. It’s important to seek support for yourselves during this time.
Grieving is a personal journey, but sharing your feelings with trusted individuals or support groups can provide comfort. Organizations like The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offer resources specifically for those who have lost someone to suicide.
Remember that it’s okay to mourn, to feel angry, or to be confused. Healing takes time, and there’s no right or wrong way to navigate your emotions. Honor the memory of your loved one by advocating for change, supporting others in the community, and taking care of your own mental health.
Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility
The heartbreaking reality is that we cannot bring back those we’ve lost. But we can honor their memory by working tirelessly to prevent future tragedies. This responsibility falls on all of us—individuals, communities, organizations, and leaders.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Understanding the issues facing the transgender community is the first step toward meaningful change. Share accurate information to combat misinformation and stereotypes.
- Advocate for Inclusive Policies: Support legislation that protects the rights and well-being of transgender individuals. Hold leaders accountable for harmful rhetoric and actions.
- Provide Safe Spaces: Whether in schools, workplaces, or community centers, ensure that transgender individuals have environments where they feel safe and accepted.
- Support Mental Health Initiatives: Advocate for accessible mental health services tailored to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
A Call to Compassion
As I write this, the tears continue to flow—not just for the young girl we’ve lost but for all those who feel unseen and unheard. The pain is real, and it is deep. But it also serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains.
We cannot afford to be complacent. We must actively seek out those who are vulnerable, offer our support, and ensure they know they are valued and loved. Every gesture, no matter how small, can have a ripple effect.
To anyone reading this who is struggling, please reach out. There are people ready to listen, to help, and to stand by your side. Your life matters, and your story is not over.
And to those who, like me, are in a position to offer support—let’s commit to being more present, more attentive, and more compassionate. Let’s make it our mission to ensure that no one feels so alone that they believe the only option is to disappear.
In memory of those we’ve lost and in honor of those still fighting, let’s come together to build a world where everyone can live authentically and without fear.
Resources for Immediate Support
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the following resources:
- The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678-678.
- Trans Lifeline: Call 877-565-8860 for peer support from transgender individuals.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988 for 24/7 confidential support.
- Crisis Text Line: Text “TALK” to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
- LGBT National Help Center: Call 888-843-4564 for free and confidential support.
Remember, reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
For Those Left Behind
Grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide is an overwhelming experience. It’s important to find support systems that can help you navigate this difficult time.
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Offers resources and support for survivors of suicide loss.
- The Dougy Center: Provides grief support and resources for children, teens, young adults, and their families.
- Survivor Support Groups: Connecting with others who have experienced similar losses can provide comfort and understanding.
Allow yourself the space to grieve, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
The Bottom Line
The journey toward acceptance and equality is fraught with challenges, but together, we can make a difference. Let’s pledge to be vigilant, to listen more intently, and to act with compassion. The most vulnerable among us are depending on it.
Let this be a turning point—a moment where we collectively decide that enough is enough. No more lost lives, no more silent suffering. Let’s build a future where every person, regardless of their gender identity or expression, can thrive.
This article was written with the hope of sparking change and fostering understanding. Please share it with others who may benefit from its message.
