700% Spike in Crisis Calls: How We Can Support LGBTQ+ Youth Post-Election

The results of the recent election have left LGBTQ+ young people facing an even darker reality. With a president-elect backed by Project 2025 and a platform that prioritizes rolling back LGBTQ+ rights—especially targeting trans youth—the stakes have never been higher. Anti-trans legislation and the dismantling of legal protections aren't abstract policy points; they are life-threatening realities.

The Trevor Project’s research underscores this urgency: 90% of LGBTQ+ young people report that recent politics have negatively impacted their well-being, and anti-transgender laws have led to a 72% increase in suicide attempts among trans and nonbinary youth. These policies don’t just harm—they kill.

This election has unleashed a wave of fear and despair. In the immediate aftermath, The Trevor Project reported a 700% increase in crisis contacts, with election-related concerns spiking by 5,200%. LGBTQ+ youth are scared, overwhelmed, and looking for someone to reassure them that their lives matter.

While we cannot control the outcome of this election, we can control how we show up. Each of us has the power to counter this harm and make a lifesaving difference.

It Only Takes One Supportive Adult

Research consistently highlights the transformative power of support. One accepting adult in an LGBTQ+ young person’s life can reduce their risk of suicidality by 40%. Let that sink in. By showing up with love, understanding, and unwavering support, we have the power to literally save lives.

Amid this challenging moment, we need to remember: it’s not only policies that change lives; it’s people. Being visibly affirming and creating safe spaces where LGBTQ+ youth feel seen and valued is a powerful antidote to the isolation and despair that many experience. 

What You Can Do Today

1. Be a Visible Ally
   Signal your support by using affirming language, displaying symbols of inclusion, and standing up against discrimination. These small actions send a big message to LGBTQ+ youth: you’re not alone. Trainspainter is offering a 40% sale of their flags and visible goods until 11/13 so check it out!

2. Create Safe Spaces
   Whether in your home, workplace, school, or community, actively work to ensure LGBTQ+ youth feel safe and valued.

3. Get Support for Yourself and Your Kids

   Supporting LGBTQ+ youth can be challenging, especially in a hostile political climate. Parents, caregivers, and allies should seek out resources and communities to process their feelings and learn best practices for support. Consider attending a PFLAG meeting or hiring a parenting coach. If your child needs help, connect them with trusted organizations and LGBTQ+-affirming therapists and support groups.

4. Use and Share Resources To Spread Knowledge
   Use resources like The Trevor Project’s guides on signaling allyship in hostile environments and resources from the Trans Youth Emergency Project to deepen your understanding and share these tools with others. The Gender Specialist blog is full of resources and info including articles like 15 Ways to Support Trans People During Anti-Trans Legislation

5. Donate to or Volunteer for Organizations Making a Difference
   Support your local LGBTQ+ organizations and/or larger orgs like The Trevor Project, Trans Youth Emergency Project, and TKO Society whose work directly saves lives. Every dollar and/or volunteer time helps support lifesaving crisis services and advocacy efforts to protect LGBTQ+ youth.

6. Write a Letter To Trans Youth: Campaign for Southern Equality is collecting messages of hope and support to share with transgender kids and their families. Use the form here to send a message, and they’ll be sure they reach trans youth impacted by these cruel bans. 

7. Subscribe to Erin Reed’s Substack
   Stay informed and inspired by following Erin Reed’s Substack, where she shares critical updates and reflections on LGBTQ+ rights and resilience. She has recently an article with essential information for trans folks preparing for the next administration.

8. Speak Up
   Advocate for local policies that protect LGBTQ+ rights and push back against harmful legislation. Your voice matters, and your actions set an example for others.

Words of Hope

Journalist Erin Reed recently wrote this powerful reflection:

"The greatest thing you can do is live; continue to exist and continue tending the seeds we’re planting today. They will grow into trees that will shade those who come after us—and with luck, we may get to enjoy some of that shade ourselves."

In moments of despair, it’s important to hold onto this vision of a better future, one built through perseverance, advocacy, and community. Every small act of kindness, every moment of support, and every seed of hope we plant today will grow into something greater. 

Remember, you have the power to save lives. 

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Are you the parent or caregiver of LGBTQ+ youth? Your family deserves support.

Parents & Caregivers: Book a complimentary 15 minute call to see if Parent Coaching is a good fit for you here.
LGBTQ+ Youth (and adults): If you live in MA, NH, or VT we have immediate openings for virtual individual and group therapy. We also offer identity coaching regardless of location. Reach out to Prism Therapy Collection for a complimentary consult today!