With it becoming increasingly clear that Donald Trump will almost certainly win the US election, the moderators and I felt it important to say a few words and direct people to crisis support resources.
We know this outcome is devastating for so many of us. It’s difficult to see the outcome we feared come to pass, and it’s completely understandable to feel heartbroken, fearful, or even numb. We need to come together as a community now more than ever. We need to support each other. We need to ensure no one is alone in their fear or pain.
The challenges ahead may seem insurmountable and frankly overwhelming, but our voices and actions are still powerful. Staying engaged in your local community, in advocacy, and ensuring our voices are not silenced is more crucial now than ever.
Crisis Support
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, here are some US-based resources (from GLAAD):
- The Trevor Project‘s 24/7/365 Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) or TrevorChat, their online instant messaging option, or TrevorText, a text-based support option. If you are looking for peer support, you can visit TrevorSpace from anywhere in the world.
- Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860
We do not consider the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline a safe resource for the trans community due to their history of involving local law enforcement without the caller’s consent, which can result in indefinite detainment.
Mutual Aid
Now is the time to lean into local resources and community groups. The people around you, especially other LGBTQ+ advocates and allies, can be a source of great strength and stability. Here are a few ways to connect:
- Blahaj has a community Matrix free for anyone to join.
- The Trans Housing Network Chat helps connect unhoused people, or people in unsafe housing, to those able to provide temporary shelter. Contact [email protected] to join.
- Mutual Aid Hub has a list of mutual aid resources across the United States
- The aforementioned TrevorSpace offers peer support globally
- Trans Resources provides a global collection of community, support and advocacy groups, as well as many other kinds of resources.
- If there are any other resources we’ve missed, please direct message me on Matrix @emily:mtrx.nz or leave a comment
The best mutual aid and support is local. We encourage everyone to research trans advocacy groups around them, local queer facebook pages, and keep connected with their community.
Moving Forward
While the outcome is devastating, our community is strong. It’s important to remember that progress in queer and minority rights has always been a story of hard fought battles through adversity. In moments like these, we stand on the shoulders of those who fought the battles before us. This is a time to lean on each other, amplify our voices, and advocate for the protections and rights we deserve. Organize, reach out, educate, and support one another as we move forward. Every action counts — from contacting representatives to showing up for each other in times of need.
Please stay safe and take care of yourself, especially in the coming days.
If it’s any consolation, Oregon, Washington and California are probably the three safest states to be in for trans folks right now. I don’t know how long that will last, but it will be more time than people in red states.
If you’re in an urban centre. The boonies are still very red. And they’re in the boonies. About 45mins out of Port Orford.
The biggest misconception about “the South” is that its contained to the South. Culturally, “the South” is everywhere more than 20-30 minutes out of any population center.
It’s a symptom of one of the great things about America. The freedom of movement.
Also a symptom of living in isolated conditions. As a generalisation, living in a major metropolitan area means being exposed to a load of different types of people. Can’t hate all black/LGBTQ2S+/Muslim/Asian folk when you interact with them every day.
Unfortunately we’re pretty tribal by nature. Always looking for the other to be against.
Damn. I have found it impossible to get citizenship in Canada, despite so many saying it’s easy.
If they are unable to escape to Canada, a move to the Portland area or maybe even Tacoma or Marysville would be the next safest (and somewhat affordable) places in my opinion.
Anyone who says it’s easy to get citizenship or immigration status for any western country is either lying or doesn’t have a clue.
Depending on how things go in the States, refugee status might be doable. That said it’s looking more and more like the Tories might get in power, which means Canada might not be all that much safer…