Resolve to Resist
10 ways to fight Trump’s attacks in the New Year
By SEBASTIAN FORTINO, The Washington Blade
As LGBTQ Americans prepare for the arrival of the Trump administration and its promised attacks on our community, consider making some New Year’s resolutions to assist in resisting. Here are 10 ways to fight back in 2025.
#10 Join your local equality group. Each state has its own equality group. Some are more robust than others. Some need more help than others. For example, if you live full or part-time in Florida, consider donating your time or money to Equality Florida in 2025. Locally, there are robust equality groups in Maryland and Virginia and multiple organizations in D.C., including the D.C. Center for the LGBT Community and the Capital Stonewall Democrats.
#9 Donate to a national legal group. As the Trump administration prepares to attack the LGBTQ community, our national legal groups are already at work strategizing a response. From marriage equality to trans military service, our rights will assuredly come under attack in the next few years. Lambda Legal and the National Center for Lesbian Rights are two of our most prominent legal groups working now to thwart those attacks.
#8 Subscribe to alternative and niche media. With the Washington Post, LA Times, and even MSNBC kowtowing to Trump, it’s more important than ever to support alternative media. And, of course, don’t forget the Washington Blade and your local LGBTQ newspapers. If you are a business owner make sure you advertise with your local outlets and work with a gay-friendly chamber of commerce.
#7 Traveling this year? Check out LGBTQ community centers, chambers of commerce, and directories specific to where you are visiting. “We are everywhere” and even if you are visiting a rural community you may be surprised to find an LGBTQ community center that can recommend queer-owned businesses where you can lodge, eat, shop, and be welcome. Supporting queer-owned businesses makes a powerful political statement.
#6 Support LGBTQ bookstores. The number of queer bookstores is, sadly, dwindling. Only a few cities can boast having at least one. Is there a queer-centric title you want? Consider ordering online directly from an LGBTQ bookstore.
#5 Don’t forget our youth. Coming out and living authentically is far easier now than for previous generations of young queer people. However, with conservatives vowing to dismantle DEI initiatives in government and corporations we need to remind LGBTQ youth and students that there is a seat at our table for them. See if there are any LGBTQ groups in local schools that need anything from T-shirts to Pride flags or volunteer to serve as a mentor.
#4 House our youth. According to the True Colors Fund, a non-profit working to end homelessness among LGBTQ youth, some 40% of kids “on the streets” identify as queer. With America faced with another four years of a decidedly anti-queer administration we hope that percentage won’t increase. If you can, consider fostering or even just mentoring an LGBTQ teen.
#3 Become your very own lobbyist. Contact your LGBTQ-friendly political leaders and let them know how you feel about legislation being presented or initiated against our community. Is your representative or mayor anti-gay? Email, call, send hardcopy letters letting them know you are not happy with how your local and national tax dollars are being spent against you. Post on social media whenever you can. If you live in a rural area consider starting a social media group to keep each other updated on issues. (Yes, even on that app that is now known by the 25th letter of the alphabet.)
#2 Don’t forget our LGBTQ seniors and elders. Our LGBTQ seniors are often isolated or disenfranchised due to health, mobility, access to vehicles, income, and other disparities younger people may not experience. The next administration may further negate their happiness or access to community. Donate your time if possible. Even if it’s just visiting with an elderly LGBTQ person down the block who recently lost their partner. Mow their lawn, take them to their doctors, invite them over to dinner parties or barbecues you share with “people your own age.” Become a friend. Learn something.
#1 Practice self-care. What calms you down, what makes you feel safe? Do it! Is it a day at the spa, an hour with a mental healthcare worker, or even a massage? Do you turn off your phone and take a long walk with your dog? Do you pump up the Judy Garland or Jake Shears album? Is it meeting friends at your favorite gay bar or brunch spot to vent about political issues? Take up knitting, pick up those drawing pencils again, learn Tai Chi. In sum, do “all the things.” Find a hobby or distraction or pursuit to make sense of the expected angst of the next four years.
And lastly: Don’t lose hope. Reach out to that best gay friend you went through your 20s with. If you are in your 20s let your peers know how you’re feeling. Your community is here for you. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, call the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
