In the wake of a devastating election and the over 400 hate crimes spurred as a result of it, I’ve wanted to stick pretty close to my friends these past few weeks. That’s why I decided to sit down with my friend Ryan* to discuss the impact this election has had on him as a gay, Mexican, trans boy.
Who did you support at the beginning of this election?
I supported Bernie Sanders.
What was your initial reaction when you found out that Trump won the election?
I was shocked… I didn’t know how to feel. I didn’t think it was real.
I don’t think any of us did, can you tell me about some of the issues that you are most concerned about with a Trump administration?
Well, I’m gay and I’m really worried that they might take away our right to get married. I’m also in the body of a woman- so I’m probably going to get harassed even more than I usually do.
What specific legislation are you worried about?
I know HB2 is probably going to remain here, and gay marriage could be taken away- which is really scary because what if I fall in love?
How does it feel to be essentially a “triple minority” in the era of a Trump presidency?
I’m scared, I mean the first day coming back to school I thought someone might even bring a gun because you know that kind of stuff happens.
Before this election we were at a very pivotal moment for both queer and Latinx rights, how do you feel the progress made on these issues will be affected?
It’s definitely going to take a major step back. People are always saying things like “go back to your country” or “stop stealing our jobs”- horrible stuff like that, and it’s only going to get worse.
Has the election had an impact on your decision to come out?
Definitely. I don’t want anyone to find out that I’m trans or gay.
How safe do you feel now?
I don’t feel safe at all.
Have you seen anything happen that has added to your fear?
Well, my dad is a concrete worker and he told me that when he went back to work all his co-workers were saying, “You know they’re going to need a concrete worker to build that wall- but you better stay on the other damn side of it.”
What do you hope our country will learn from this presidency?
I hope that more people realize how horrible he (Trump) is and actually learn from that so that they don’t make the same mistake again.
*Ryan’s name has been changed to protect his privacy. Responses have been edited for clarity.
