After the 2024 US Election: Standing Together for LGBTQIA+ Rights
The 2024 U.S. election sent shockwaves through the global LGBTQIA+ community. With Donald Trump's return to the White House and a Republican majority in both houses of Congress, there is deep concern about what lies ahead for LGBTQIA+ individuals in America. A campaign marked by anti-trans rhetoric and promises to roll back critical protections has left many fearful and uncertain.
However, in moments of adversity, our community has always found strength. At Get Out, we stand ready to support our American LGBTQIA+ friends, ensuring no one feels alone in the fight for equality.
Challenges Ahead for LGBTQIA+ Americans
The election results paint a sobering picture for LGBTQIA+ rights. Exit polls revealed that 86% of LGBTQIA+ voters supported Kamala Harris, signalling overwhelming rejection of the Trump administration's policies. Yet the results show a Republican majority, giving the administration a mandate to pursue its agenda aggressively.
Here are some key issues the community faces:
Increased Anti-Trans Legislation
Transgender individuals bore the brunt of anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric during the campaign. Ads targeting trans women in sports and gender-affirming healthcare fueled fear and misinformation. The Project 2025 manifesto provides a blueprint for restrictive policies, including:
Reversing Biden-era anti-discrimination protections.
Blocking federal funding for gender-affirming care.
Denying trans people, the right to update identification documents.
Organisations like the Transgender Law Center are already inundated with requests for assistance as trans individuals prepare for potentially sweeping restrictions on their rights. Legal teams work overtime to provide resources and guidance for navigating these changes.
Mental Health Crisis
The Trevor Project reported a staggering 700% increase in crisis hotline calls following the election. This unprecedented surge highlights the deep fear and uncertainty gripping the community. Already disproportionately affected by depression and anxiety, LGBTQIA+ individuals — especially youth and trans people — are now dealing with the compounding stress of an openly hostile political environment.
Studies show that exposure to anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and policies correlates with higher rates of suicidal ideation, making mental health support an urgent priority.
Erosion of Safe Spaces
Many LGBTQIA+ individuals fear losing access to critical spaces and resources. These include:
Inclusive healthcare services.
Federally funded support networks that are vital for community well-being.
Advocacy groups warn of a "domino effect" as state and federal policies converge to dismantle safe spaces. The rollback of protections will disproportionately affect the community's most vulnerable members, including those in rural areas and lower-income households.
Rising Violence
Hate crimes targeting LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly trans people, have risen sharply. With inflammatory rhetoric from political leaders now mainstream, the threat of violence and discrimination continues to escalate. Advocacy groups like the Anti-Violence Project are preparing resources to address the growing need for safety planning and crisis intervention.
A Call for Solidarity
In these challenging times, the LGBTQIA+ community must rally together and stand united in the face of growing challenges. At Get Out, we believe that meaningful connections and support can transform lives. Though our journey began in Australia, our mission is global. We launched getout.global for a reason: to build a community that transcends borders, offering a space where LGBTQIA+ individuals can find solace, connection, and strength.
While we might question the direction of U.S. politics, we will not turn our backs on our American friends. Our platform will remain open to anyone seeking connection, accountability, and support. Together, we can create a global network of resilience and empowerment.
Ways to Help
Stay informed and share resources like those from the Trevor Project.
Advocate for equality and speak out against discrimination.
Support organisations fighting for LGBTQIA+ rights, such as the Human Rights Campaign.
Invite your US friends to join our community. We’d be happy to welcome them with open arms!
The road ahead may be difficult, but our shared strength and determination have always been more significant than any obstacle. At Get Out, we're here to connect, support, and uplift every member of our community — no matter where they are in the world.