I will remember that morning forever. I thought I was stuck in a dream when I woke up and anxiously checked my phone expecting a great celebration and sigh of relief when I saw Hillary was the new president.
As you are aware, this story doesn’t end with a celebration nor a sigh of relief, but rather a state of disbelief and denial.
How could the majority of American voters decide my rights as a queer immigrant woman do not matter?
As I reached out to my American friends, one sentence echoed higher than the outrage and anger, “I am here for ýou.”
Although we feel broken and defeated at this point, I can feel support and love pouring in our community. More than just protests, we are here for each other, supporting our brothers and sisters like never before.
And this sentiment transcends borders and sexual orientation. Throughout Europe, Latin America, Canada, and all around the globe, you can feel alliance and outreach not only between the queer community but also from our straight allies, parents and friends.
Although fear and doubt may cast a dark cloud on queer Americans, we will stand tall and proud once again.
We are the “nasty women”; the ones who fought for our rights and lost; the ones who will not let sexism, homophobia, and racism beat us. And most importantly, we are the ones here for you.
As I read that LGBTQ suicide hotlines blew up as the news of Trump’s election spread, I knew I needed to take action.
And although a simple post may seem frivolous, I knew I had to share my support with those in need.
Here are some helpful contacts for U.S. queer people in need:
Transgender suicide hotline: 877-565-8860;
Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386;
Suicide Lifelines per state: http://www.suicide.org/suicide-hotlines.html;
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline :1-800-273-8255
The GLBT National Help Center: Hotline: 1-888-843-4564; Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743
We’ll get through this together. We may be now feel broken, but we will always be united.