When Donald Trump ascended to the presidency, some of my acquaintances tried to reassure me with claims of his support for LGBTQ rights. They shared images of him holding the rainbow flag, suggesting he was a true ally who would keep Vice President Mike Pence in check. They believed that Pence, despite his endorsement of conversion therapy and his belief that same-sex marriage would lead to societal collapse, lacked the power to undermine my existence. They assured me I would be safe under this administration, even as a queer individual married to a woman and raising a transgender child. Yet, deep down, I knew better.
These individuals were not genuine friends. A true friend wouldn’t attempt to dismiss the anxiety in my stomach just to rationalize a political choice. Had the election results favored Hillary Clinton, I wouldn’t have comforted Trump supporters; I would have warned them to prepare for a reckoning against their bigotry.
Now, as each day passes, I feel as though I am losing ground. The rights I hold dear as an LGBTQ individual are increasingly at risk. Under Trump and Attorney General Sessions, federal agencies have been granted the authority to discriminate based on religious beliefs. This means that employers can deny Social Security benefits to same-sex spouses; federal workers can refuse services to LGBTQ individuals—even in emergencies; and LGBTQ youth can be denied help from federally funded agencies during crises. My identity as a woman loving another woman makes me vulnerable, and I fear losing everything through no fault of my own.
After hearing Trump’s remarks at the Values Voter Summit—a gathering that essentially serves as a platform for Christian hate groups—I was infuriated. His endorsement of such a gathering signaled approval of the anti-LGBTQ rhetoric that permeated the event, including materials handed out that condemned my existence.
Then, to my dismay, I stumbled upon a headline that read: “Trump Mocks Pence for Wanting to ‘Hang All Gay People.’” It became painfully clear that my rights were not enough; my very life was under attack.
The nausea settled in, my jaw clenched tightly, and I felt the weight of tension in my shoulders. I struggled to comprehend how anyone could joke about the idea of executing another human being. And let me be clear: this is not just a joke. It is a deeply troubling reflection of our society.
Imagine if the joke were about Pence wishing to hang people based on their eye color, their disability, or their handedness. There’s nothing amusing about advocating for harm against those who differ from you in any way. My family and I deserve equality, respect, and the acceptance that allows us to feel safe in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
The notion that sexuality or gender identity is a choice instills fear in me. Those who believe this perpetuate ignorance, which breeds hatred and justifies violence. Our nation’s leader finds humor in the idea of harming gay individuals, further emboldening those who seek to discriminate, harass, or even kill people because of who they love.
It has been nearly two decades since Matthew Shepard was brutally murdered for being gay. His story is a stark reminder of the violence that LGBTQ individuals face. I am gay. And my identity encompasses so much more.
I think of Jamie Lark, a transgender woman tragically killed earlier this year. She lost her life simply for being who she was. My own daughter is transgender and faces similar threats.
While I recognize that I have allies and live in a relatively progressive community, I still understand that my existence angers some to the point where they would prefer my death over my pursuit of love. When individuals support an administration that views my identity as a problem, my safety becomes increasingly precarious.
I feel rights slipping away, my faith waning, and my strength diminishing. I do not deserve to lose my life simply for being who I am.
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Summary
This article reflects on the struggles faced by LGBTQ individuals in light of political developments under the Trump administration, emphasizing the threat to rights and safety. It highlights the need for acceptance and equality, while condemning the normalization of hate directed at marginalized communities.