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Last night, as election results poured in and it became clear that Donald Trump had secured another term, a familiar feeling took hold across the queer community—a sinking weight, the bitter sting of disappointment, and the creeping fear for what this means for our rights, our lives, and our futures. It’s okay to feel that grief, to feel fear. But it’s also important to remember: the queer community has never been defined by who sits in the Oval Office. Our strength doesn’t come from the goodwill of politicians. It comes from our history, our resilience, and our refusal to back down.
We’ve seen setbacks before, and each time, we’ve fought our way forward. This moment is no different. Now more than ever, it’s time to dig into that legacy of strength, to support each other, and to keep pushing forward together. This is a hard moment, yes—but it’s also one that offers a reminder: we are more than capable of rising to the occasion.
For decades, queer people have been organizing, fighting, and taking care of each other in the face of adversity. The world witnessed the power of our resistance with Stonewall, but the movement was alive long before that, as queer folks gathered in bars, basements, and hidden spaces to find each other, share safety, and build community.
At Stonewall, when the riots broke out in 1969, it wasn’t just an act of resistance—it was a declaration of belonging. Led by people like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, who fought for us with everything they had, Stonewall was the spark that ignited a movement. It was raw courage, born out of years of oppression, and it became the foundation of our modern queer rights movement.
Since then, we’ve seen countless others take up the fight. Harvey Milk stood boldly for our rights until he paid the ultimate price. Kathy Kozachenko became the first openly queer person elected to public office in the U.S., showing us that our voices could shape policy. They fought not for individual glory, but for the collective good of our community. Today, we stand on the shoulders of these giants, taking up the work they began.
Let’s remind ourselves that the community that fought for decriminalization, for visibility, for marriage equality, trans rights, and so much more isn’t going to be stopped by one election result. We are still here, and our fight continues.
One of the most powerful ways we resist is by taking care of each other. During the HIV/AIDS crisis, when official systems turned their backs on queer people, our community stepped up. People formed support networks, tended to the sick, and rallied to demand resources and treatment. We learned that we could create safety and care for each other when no one else would.
Today, as we face an uncertain future, we can continue that tradition. From mutual aid funds to community-led support groups, we have the power to ensure no one is left behind. Whether it’s financial assistance, safe housing, mental health support, or simply being there for each other emotionally, every action matters.
Support local mutual aid networks. These funds help queer individuals and families who may be struggling to cover rent, food, and medical expenses. By donating, volunteering, or even just sharing these resources with others, we strengthen our community.
Get involved with queer advocacy organizations. Many organizations are already mobilizing to protect our rights. Supporting groups like the Trans Youniting, Hugh Lane Wellness, and Proud Haven is a tangible way to keep the pressure on and fight for our protections.
Create safe spaces, online and offline. Whether it’s through virtual groups or local meetups, we can create safe spaces where people feel heard, valued, and protected. These spaces provide vital support, especially for those who may feel isolated or vulnerable in their communities.
Together, these actions can create a network of care and resilience. They may seem small, but they make a difference. The bonds we forge today will strengthen us as we move forward.
This election result is a setback, but it doesn’t mean we’re defeated. If anything, it’s a reminder of the importance of political engagement and the power of local action. Queer rights may feel threatened on the national level, but our communities still hold a lot of influence at the local level.
Engage in local elections. There are local elections this spring. The truth is that our day-to-day lives are most affected by policies at the local and state level. Voting for queer-positive candidates in local elections, advocating for pro-LGBTQ policies, and staying informed on local issues are all essential. Stick with QBurgh. We’ll continue to highlight the local news that affects us the most.
Build coalitions. Our fight intersects with so many others—from racial justice to disability rights to immigrant rights. Working with other marginalized communities makes us stronger and amplifies all our voices. Together, we can create a united front against any form of oppression.
Support legal advocacy. Organizations like Lambda Legal and the ACLU are already gearing up to challenge any attempts to roll back our rights. Whether it’s a direct donation or volunteering your time, supporting these organizations is one way to defend our community on a larger scale.
By focusing on local actions and building coalitions, we can strengthen our community and continue to make progress, even when it feels like the world is against us.
Finally, in times of fear and uncertainty, one of the most radical things we can do is celebrate ourselves. Joy is an act of resistance. Queer art, music, fashion, and culture are ways we refuse to be erased. By expressing ourselves boldly, by supporting queer artists, and by reveling in our identities, we’re standing against the forces that try to make us feel small.
Support queer artists, attend drag shows, go to LGBTQ film screenings, and create spaces where queer culture can flourish. Art has always been a place of liberation, and now more than ever, we need those outlets.
Joy isn’t just about big events; it’s also in the simple moments of connection. It’s in our friendships, our chosen families, and the warmth of a community that loves and accepts us unconditionally.
Live boldly! Refuse to let fear dictate how you express yourself. Wear what you want, love who you want, and live without apology. Our lives are a testament to resilience, and every act of self-expression is an act of defiance.
Let’s keep finding ways to laugh, to create, to celebrate, and to hold each other close. Our joy, our love, and our community are what will carry us through.
Yes, this is a painful moment. The future feels uncertain, but we are a community that knows how to survive. This is not the end; it’s a new chapter in our fight for liberation. We are more than this moment, more than one election result. We’re a movement rooted in resilience, and together, we will continue to stand up, fight back, and carve out a world where we don’t just survive—we thrive.
This fight is ours to take up, and with every voice, every action, and every moment of love and support, we move closer to the future we deserve.
