Nov. 6, 2024, 8:42 p.m. EST
Donald Trump gives a victory speech to his supporters at his election night watch party at Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Source: KGW8.
Written by Addison Almagor
Edited by Eddi Raymond, Isabella Chia Reyes
Donald Trump has won the election. He will be inaugurated on January 20th, 2025. Republicans have a majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives. It is bad, there is no way around that. Donald Trump and the conservative Republican Party have been extremely hostile towards queer people, and the Project 2025 agenda is a threat to basic queer livelihood. If Project 2025 is implemented, the next four years may be very dangerous for queer people in the USA. On the table is a national ban on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and puberty blockers for minors. If the Trump administration follows through on the policies it said it would implement, anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and rhetoric, such as lies about trans surgeries in schools, will become more prevalent, book bannings will become more frequent, and the United States, especially in conservative-leaning states, will become even less friendly to queer people. Luckily, New Jersey will still be one of the safest states for queer people, but it is not immune either. So, what now?
America is going to get worse for queer people, but that does not mean we are powerless. The queer community is strong, the queer community is resilient, and the queer community can and will work together to support everyone in it. There are things you and the people around you can do to keep safe and to make life easier.
Join support groups
Joining support groups is one of the best ways to find judgment-free support, community, and people you can rely on and form friendships with. There are many LGBTQ+-friendly support groups in Bergen County. One such social group is Rainbow Cafe, a social event and safe space for queer youth that takes place monthly at Cresskill Congregational Church.
You can also turn to your school’s GSA. GSAs go by many names: whether it be Gay-Straight alliance or Gender Sexuality Awareness, GSAs are one of the best ways for queer children to find community and to work on initiatives to make their schools safer and more accepting. As a group you are stronger, and together can bring to light the changes you need within your own school. Also, work to understand your local resources. Get a sense of what is available in your area, both for yourself and for those you care about. This means activist organizations, hotlines, support groups, GSAs, food banks, and the like.
Protesting and local politics
Protesting for causes you believe in and against anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation is a crucial way to affect change. Contrary to popular belief, your political power does not end at voting. While you may not be able to change much on a federal level, by getting involved in local politics, like town council meetings, Board of Education meetings, and applying for town and county advisory boards, you can prevent some of the most dangerous laws and policies from getting passed at the local level. Understand what ballot initiatives may be up for a vote. Research what laws are being passed in your area and organize to fight for or against them. Work with activist organizations, organize with the people you know, and make your voice heard. The best way to affect change is to make your voice heard.
Be a friend
Not everyone has the luxury of having queer friends. But for those who do, be there for them. This is more than being a part of an official support group. Be a friend and an ally for those who need it. By being a friend, you can build a community, and potentially save lives. Building community is the foundation to all activism.
A note about Bergen County GSA
The future may look rough, even for New Jersey, but Bergen County GSA will still be here. We will be here providing a safe space for all queer youth. No matter how bad things get, BCGSA will continue to make sure queer kids have a safe space to be comfortable with their identity and be free and safe to express themselves.
Remember: this is not the end
Donald Trump has won the presidency, but this is not the end. People will fight, and the more people that join that fight, the more effective it will be. We will not go down quietly just because a fascist is in the White House. Even if we are threatened with hostile legislation it does not end here. We will fight for our rights and our freedom, and so should you