Our Trust (and Our Hearts) Are Broken. Where Do We Go From Here?

Wherever it is, we must get there together.

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Published: November 6, 2024 | Last Updated: November 6, 2024

Well, we have our answer.

It is clear that in 2024, protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ community members was not top of mind for most American voters. In fact, late polling just ahead of the election indicated that for most voters, issues like gender-affirming care and other LGBTQ+ topics were low on the list compared to things like the economy and immigration.

We can take some comfort there — most Republican voters likely weren’t thinking of our community at all when they voted and they didn’t consider their votes as particularly anti-LGBTQ+, but the flip side is that our literal safety was not a priority for these voters, either. And those voters inevitably included people we thought we could trust to have our backs. It’s painful, and if you haven’t given yourself permission to sit with that pain, we’re giving it to you now. This one’s going to sting for a while.

Sadly, misplaced trust in the alleged “greater good” is nothing new for minority groups in America (or globally). The LGBTQ+ rights we have on the books today have been secured by blood and grit over many decades, led by courageous advocates who repeatedly lost and pressed on to fight again and again until they won ugly battles based on principles that should be easy for every human to agree on. It’s what this community has always done, and what it will continue to do. Like the queer pioneers who came before us, we will channel resilience and crush efforts to dampen our spirits or restrict our freedom to live authentically.

In so many ways, our country has failed us. But friends, we cannot fail one another.

Just as we practice self-care and advocacy, we must intentionally practice community. There are bridges to be built between generations, disparate backgrounds and identities and opportunities to create bonds that will strengthen our resolve and collective resilience. When you’re ready, seek out opportunities for LGBTQ+ advocacy, but also simple connection. This community has perfected the art of “found family.” If you’re in need of some new brothers and sisters and cousins, you only need to show up.

Remember — this election outcome is overall a bad thing. But it’s not everything. Sometimes, we win at the ballot box. Sometimes, we even win in the legislature or the courts, but we only truly lose when we lose sight of one another.

When Vice President Kamala Harris gave her concession speech today, she shared a similar sentiment, drawing upon the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. “Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.”

“I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time,” she said, “but for the benefit of us all, I hope that is not the case. But here’s the thing: America, if it is, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion of stars — the light of optimism, of faith, of truth, and of service."

We urge you to resist the isolation that may be calling to you in a dark moment. You aren’t alone out here, and the people doing work to keep you connected to invaluable resources will still keep doing that work. Don’t let their efforts be in vain. Support local LGBTQ+ organizations like Affirmations, MiGen, Transgender Michigan, Stand with Trans, GLSEN, ACLU Michigan, PFLAG, Trans Sistas Project, Equality Michigan, and the dozens of grassroots Pride organizations you can find throughout Michigan.