When Donald Trump stepped into the role of the 45th president, some of my acquaintances tried to reassure me with claims that he would safeguard LGBTQ rights. They circulated a photo of him brandishing a rainbow flag, as if that single act made him a true ally. They insisted he would keep Mike Pence in line, despite Pence’s well-known belief in conversion therapy and his assertion that same-sex marriage would lead to “societal collapse.” My so-called supporters believed I would remain safe under this administration. They said this to me, a queer person married to a woman, raising a transgender child. As they reveled in their victory, they attempted to comfort me. I knew better.
These were not friends; true friends wouldn’t suggest someone ignore the gnawing fear in the pit of their stomach just to justify a vote. Had Hillary won, I wouldn’t have told Trump supporters to relax. I would have told them to brace themselves because she would not tolerate their misogynistic, racist, homophobic, and transphobic rhetoric any longer.
Now, with Hillary’s loss, I feel like I’m losing daily. I’m watching my rights as an LGBTQ individual erode. Under Trump and Attorney General Mike Sessions, a license to discriminate has been granted to federal agencies via religious liberty protections. This means 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 turned away by federal agencies even in times of crisis. I can be discriminated against for simply being a woman who loves another woman, for being a threat to someone’s religious beliefs.
After listening to Trump speak at the Values Voter Summit—a euphemism for a gathering of a Christian-based hate group—I was infuriated. By addressing this crowd, he not only endorsed their pamphlet titled “The Health Hazards of Homosexuality,” but he also legitimized all anti-LGBTQ sentiments and actions.
And just as I begin to reclaim my strength and find hope, I read the headline: “Donald Trump Mocks Mike Pence for Wanting to ‘Hang All Gay People.’”
Evidently, my rights aren’t sufficient. My life is up for mockery.
All day, I’ve felt nauseous. My jaw is tight from unwittingly clenching it, and my shoulders ache with tension. How can someone joke about hanging another human being? And please don’t dismiss it as merely a joke; it’s not funny, and frankly, it’s outrageous.
Let’s flip the script. Imagine if the joke was about Pence wanting to hang people with blue eyes, or those with autism, or left-handed individuals. There’s nothing humorous about expressing a desire to eradicate anyone because of their identity, appearance, or who they love. My family and I deserve equality, respect, and acceptance. The LGBTQ community deserves to feel safe in their homes, jobs, and country.
Those who still believe sexuality or gender identity is a choice are my greatest fear. Their ignorance breeds hate and justifies harm. The leader of our nation finds the idea of hanging gay people amusing, effectively giving a green light for discrimination, harassment, and violence.
It’s been nearly two decades since Matthew Shepard was brutally murdered for being gay. That was the only reason.
I am gay, and so much more. I think of Tara McKinley, a woman who was tragically killed earlier this year for being transgender. That was the only reason.
My daughter is transgender, and she is so much more.
Yes, I have allies. Yes, I live in a progressive area. Yes, I am one of the fortunate ones leading a relatively safe life. But I am still gay. My very existence angers some people so intensely that they would prefer to see me dead rather than living a life filled with love. When those individuals vote for and support an administration that believes the world is better off without me, I feel endangered.
I’m losing rights. I’m losing faith. I’m losing momentum.
I do not deserve to lose my life.
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In summary, the ongoing political climate poses significant risks for LGBTQ individuals, threatening our rights and safety. The casual mocking of violence against gay people is not just a joke but a reflection of a deeper societal issue. We deserve equality and respect, and our existence should not be a punchline.