“As a strange individual, I woke up this morning to the sound of my wife’s silent sobs as she tried not to wake me up with the weight of the reality we currently live in. As a newlywed couple, we moved from New York to Florida, and now we feel like we’re engulfed in a sea of ​​red with no way out. I work as a PhD student and my research and work focuses on training and knowledge development to eliminate LGBTQ+ health disparities, particularly for our most vulnerable trans community. I was so passionate about this work—challenging systems that marginalize us, especially within healthcare settings. Today, I feel defeated. The emotional toll of this political climate has been overwhelming. But tomorrow I will get up. I will continue my work because I know how important it is; How necessary it is, especially in Florida. We need voices in the darkness to lead us to the path of light.” -Hanna Birenbaum

“I just want a meaningful life; to fall in love, take care of my family, write beautiful literature, look in the mirror and admire what I see. But the life I thought I had here? I’m moved to tears watching the life I’ve built come crashing down in front of me.” -Malika Saint Laurent

And if you’re upset, it’s justified

“When I saw the first numbers, I had a panic attack. I had to go outside to clear my head. I asked myself, “Is this nation really united by hate?” This individual has openly declared his intention to block Medicare and Medicaid for doctors who provide sex-affirming care, to prevent federal agencies recognizing the legitimacy of gender transitions at any age and to launch investigations into the medical industry, which suggests it has covered up the alleged long-term harm of these treatments to advantage. To be honest, I’m angry. I am deeply angry. I know these emotions alone won’t bring about change, but that’s what I feel. Now is not the time to be sad or angry; it is time to call for further political commitment. I have never felt safe as a transgender woman. The culture that a Trump presidency preserves will make this worse. My advice to young trans girls is this: carry pepper spray and develop a good support system.” – Ryan Lynn Murphy

It’s okay to ask for help

“To every LGBTQ+ person, but especially our youth: I know your heart may ache like mine. Your pain, your fear, your shock—it all counts. Please take care of yourself right now. If you’re struggling, get in touch. The Trevor Project Helpline (1-866-488-7386) is available 24/7 for people who understand what we’re going through, your LGBTQ+ organizations, none of us are alone in this, even through this pain, I know that strength community comes from our unity, from our love for each other and from our refusal to be erased we will hold each other. We will survive together. – Although Napoles

Take a few steps to prepare

“I recommend that everyone use the next 60 days to prepare as much as they can. I have a gyno appointment next week, my friend is trying to get their tubes tied, their sister is booking an IUD appointment. We must ensure the safety of ourselves and others as much as we can. Find solace in yourself, your friends, communities and family (whether blood or found.) Make art, write stories, express yourself however you can. Gather resources and emergency numbers.” – Finnick Brown

Survival is endurance

“As a trans person, the most important thing we can do right now is survive. The Trump administration has outlined how it plans to define transgender people out of existence, so our strongest act of resistance is to exist. Our community and the care we can give each other is our greatest resource. The thing I remember most about that election day in 2016 was my first class. The teacher did not continue with the lesson as usual. She talked to us about the election results and gave us space to talk too. She wore a safety pin and explained the meaning that we are always safe with her. I remember many of my colleagues also had safety pins. We went through his first term and managed to thrive. Now I’m a graduate student doing research on the trans community in my area and proving how resilient we are. Now is not the time to lose hope. We will get through this next term and flourish with each other’s support.” – Sister Charlie