top of page

What it's like to be LGBTQ+ this election season

Writer's picture: Madi BrownMadi Brown


As the election quickly approaches, we can all feel tensions rising. Election seasons always have the potential to put a strain on daily life, mental health, and relationships. A whirlwind of emotions, debates, and discussions can deeply affect many communities. For the LGBTQ+ community, elections of this magnitude and importance can feel particularly intense. Issues directly facing our rights and identities are at the forefront of political discussions. The toll that the emotional strain can take on our community does not go unnoticed.


The toll of a polarizing election on the LGBTQ+ community


Political candidates in the height of a deeply polarized election season often exploit LGBTQ+ identities and use harmful rhetoric for their own political gain. During this 2024 election campaign, it seems many conservative candidates have specifically used and abused the transgender community, fabricating stories about transgender youth that are simply false. Claims that students are going to school and coming home a different gender or that schools are putting litter boxes in bathrooms have no factual evidence, yet candidates continually use this harmful rhetoric to fear monger their party. These claims perpetuate stigma and discrimination and can leave many feeling vulnerable. 


Take the 2024 debate claims made by Donald Trump that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio are eating people’s pets. Death threats were made and people’s lives were put on hold because of dangerously false claims made in under a minute on a nationally televised debate. Imagine the damage done by countless false accusations and claims made about and against the LGBTQ+ community for political gain.


The constant barrage of articles and TikToks about the newest comments made by a right wing politician focused on LGBTQ+ rights can lead to an emotional fatigue. For many, hearing politicians throw around ideas and policies that would directly and negatively affect our lives is scary and exhausting. 


Election seasons bring about polarization. Even within the LGBTQ+ community, differing views on candidates and policies can lead to division. The pressures of disagreeing with people who were seemingly in your corner can create a feeling of isolation. Speaking as someone who lives in a red state, knowing that someone I speak to on a daily basis will likely vote in a way that directly infringes on my rights is a difficult internal monologue to navigate.


Ideas for coping during this election season


Election season is not only stressful for the LGBTQ+ community. It is scary and anxiety ridden for anyone who feels like their rights or a loved one's rights might be infringed upon if a certain candidate were to be elected. While it is easy to feel like it is a never-ending season, there are some ways for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies to take care of each other.


  1. Limit your exposure. Just like the sun, sometimes the best way to avoid a burn is to limit the time spent in it. While staying informed is important, considering a break from news and social media accounts that cover election information can protect your mental health. 

  2. Prioritize your mental health. Find a safe space where you can engage in a judgment free conversation. Engage in self-care activities. Get outside, relax, spend time with loved ones.

  3. Get involved. Channeling your energy into organizing or advocacy can sometimes be the most effective coping strategy. Even just making a social media post encouraging followers to get out and vote can make you feel like you are making a difference. 

  4. Finally, seek professional help. If you are feeling overwhelmed and like the pressures of this election seem impossible to manage, reach out to a therapist who can walk you through ways to manage and process the emotions you are feeling.


It is important to recognize these challenges the LGBTQ+ and so many other communities are facing and to confront them. This election has been nothing short of insanity and we have a few weeks left. We hope that in the midst of the chaos, however you vote that you get out and do it! Like I tell my first graders when they do a mock election between Oreos and Chips Ahoy, you can't complain about what is chosen if you don't go vote in the first place. If you are struggling with your mental health this election season, we see you. Please don't hesitate to reach out to someone! This post along with others will be added to the information and media section of our Affirming Quakers Database.



7 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Rainbow dots in a circle, Affirming Quakers logo.
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
bottom of page