By Allie Vanden Heuvel, Alliance Intern from University of Alabama at Birmingham MPH ‘25
The past few years, LGBTQ+ youth have had to endure an onslaught of attacks and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation targeting our rights, freedoms, and lives.
In the fallout of the Presidential Election, we are doomed to face even more. It is no secret that the next President will slash marriage equality, gender affirming care, and protection against discrimination.
Use of LGBTQ+ crisis resources and suicide rates have skyrocketed since November 5, according to the Trevor Project. We are dying because of this hateful legislation. Our blood is on their hands. To my community, I hear you and I am with you. Keep going, there is so much life left to live. We will not be forgotten.
LGBTQ+ youth need your help. I implore you to reach out to the LGBTQ+ youth in your life and be the shoulder to cry on, the ears to hear their anger, and the voice for when they can’t speak up. Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity at every opportunity you can. Your first action can be joining the Alliance and tell your elected officials to stop targeting LGBTQ+ youth.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to speak with someone today. You are not alone.