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The LGBTQ+ Guide to Surviving a Trump-Pence Administration

This is your all inclusive LGBTQ+ (lesbian,gay,bisexual,transgender, queer/questioning, etc.) guide for surviving the next four years.

1.This for all of you that aren’t out yet: don’t rush it. If you don’t feel safe coming out in the current political climate, then don’t. Safety always comes first.

2. If you are ready to come out then make sure you know your audience. Drop subtle conversation starters about your identity in general with your parent,friend,family member,teacher and anyone else you’re comfortable speaking to. Make sure that you are prepared for all possible outcomes. Each time you come out the reactions will be different.

3. Educate yourself. Sexuality and gender are two weird, complicated constructs with subtle intricacies that aren’t ever talked about in heteronormative and cisnormative societies. You should know about different identities, how to have safe sex, the history of the LGBTQ+ community in America, etc.

4. Know your resources. Find your local PFLAG chapter (parents and friends of lesbians and gays), GSA (which can stand for gender and sexuality alliance or gay straight alliance), or any other LGBTQ+ groups. Some of these places offer housing, support, and parent counseling on how to accept their child’s sexuality. Just in case, here’s a list of hotline numbers: Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860), Trevor Project (866-488-7386), National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).

5. Know your rights!!! I’m serious. Conversion therapy is banned in 6 states plus DC; New Jersey, New York, California, Illinois, Oregon, and Vermont. Men who have sex with other men cannot donate blood for up to a year. Depending on your state you can be discriminated against for your sexuality or gender in the workplace. And in all states except for California you can cite “trans panic” in order to get a more lenient sentence if you murder a trans person. There are so many important things you should know and the internet contains all of these things.

6. If you want to get active, then make sure you are proactive. Call your congressmen to get pro-LGBTQ+ legislation, volunteer at a suicide hotline (I recommend the one for at risk trans people), form a GSA if your school doesn’t already have one, donate to LGBTQ+ causes (AIDS research, Trevor Project, homeless LGBTQ+ teens, HCR, etc.), or join a local or statewide LGBTQ+ activism group.

7. Be open. The problem with gender and sexuality as that each person expresses their identities differently. It’s important not to shame anyone for their identity and to support your fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community.

8. Remember that you are so loved, your identity is valid, and you deserve the exact same rights as everyone else. Sometimes the world can be cruel to LGBTQ+ people, it feels like the entire world is against you. I can guarantee that there are people out there who love you, that care for you, and that support you without even having to know you. I am one of those people. Stay strong, don’t lose heart, and the next four years will be over before you know it.

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