The morning after the 2024 Presidential election, calls flooded into non-profit organization The Trevor Project’s hotline from many LGBTQ youth worried about the results. They saw a sharp increase in the number of calls they received, a 700% surge compared to earlier weeks. Along with this, they also received a 125% increase of traffic to their crisis hotline on election day. The Trevor Project is a group focused on suicide among LGBTQ youth, and they frequently receive calls and texts from LGBTQ youth in crisis.
The Washington Post stated that The Rainbow Youth Project, another non-profit organization, exceeded their monthly average of calls in six days during the first week of November, with 3,810 calls. Their monthly average was previously 3,765. Other groups and organizations have reported similar increases in calls and messages to their hotlines.
Trump has frequently made promises to erode policies designed to protect transgender youth. His campaign has often targeted trans issues, including ads with slogans like “Kamala is for they/them. President Trump is for you.”
During his campaign, his rallies made a point to mock LGBTQ people, particularly those serving in the United States Army. One satire video played during these rallies goes back and forth between rigorous military training, with drill sergeants shouting at people, and supposed LGBTQ people, all of whom are depicted as overly feminine.
Trump has said that he will request that Congress make legislation declaring that there are “only two genders” that are determined at birth. He has also made clear that he will prevent gender-affirming care for trans people receiving such care through Medicare. Those people would not be able to access hormonal or surgical interventions for their gender dysphoria.
Jaymes Black, the CEO of The Trevor Project, said that they want LGBTQ youth to understand that The Trevor Project will fight for their rights no matter what.
“The Trevor Project wants LGBTQ+ young people to know that we are here for you, no matter the outcome of any election, and we will continue to fight for every LGBTQ+ young person to have access to safe, affirming spaces – especially during challenging times,” Black said.
They went on to say that, furthermore, LGBTQ youth have value, and they will always offer aid.
“LGBTQ+ young people: your life matters, and you were born to live it. The Trevor Project will always be here to support you, to listen, and to offer you the care you deserve,” Black said.
