As the election season heats up, many people, especially within the LGBTQIA+ community, are feeling waves of anxiety. Election cycles can be intense and overwhelming for anyone, but when your rights and safety might be at risk depending on who wins, it can create a level of fear and stress that’s hard to ignore. Let’s take a look at why elections can create so much worry, especially for queer folks, and explore what we can do to feel a little more in control.
Why Elections Cause Anxiety
Elections bring up a lot of emotions. During this time, news, debates, and social media focus heavily on what each candidate believes, including issues that might directly affect our lives. Many in the LGBTQIA+ community worry that certain rights and protections could be weakened or removed entirely if certain candidates gain power. The uncertainty of not knowing what will happen can leave us feeling powerless. This feeling, often called “election anxiety,” is real and understandable.
For LGBTQIA+ people, this worry isn’t just about political differences but about basic protections—like the right to marry, protection from discrimination at work or school, and the ability to access affirming healthcare. When one candidate’s views seem to threaten these essential rights, anxiety can turn into fear and even a sense of being unsafe in society.
Understanding What’s at Stake
To understand why LGBTQIA+ people may be especially anxious, we should look at what’s at stake. Some candidates and groups are openly discussing rolling back certain protections for queer people. Here are a few areas that could be affected:
- Marriage Equality – Some leaders have suggested they might reconsider the right to marry for same-sex couples. Losing this right would not only be a huge setback but could also affect things like healthcare benefits, legal decision-making, and family planning.
- Transgender Rights – Access to affirming healthcare, protections in schools, and even basic rights like using bathrooms that match one’s gender identity are being questioned. Losing these protections could make life much harder for transgender people, who already face high rates of discrimination and violence.
- Employment and Housing Protections – Some candidates have shown support for policies that might allow employers, landlords, and others to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Losing these protections would make it harder for queer people to find safe and accepting places to work and live.
These are just a few examples, but each is significant. When basic rights like these are on the line, it’s normal to feel stressed, anxious, and even afraid. However, there are ways to cope with these feelings and take action to support yourself and your community.
Ways to Manage Election Anxiety
Dealing with election anxiety is tough, especially when it feels like so much is on the line. Here are some practical ways to cope:
- Limit Media Consumption
Constantly watching the news can make anxiety worse. Try setting boundaries around your news intake. For example, check updates once a day rather than every hour. Staying informed is important, but it’s okay to take breaks. Focus on sources that provide facts rather than sensationalism. - Find Community Support
Talking with people who understand your fears can help you feel less alone. Consider joining a local LGBTQIA+ support group or connecting with online communities. Being around people who share your experiences and understand your worries can create a sense of comfort and solidarity. - Practice Self-Care
Self-care can be a powerful tool against anxiety. Take time each day to do something that brings you peace, whether it’s taking a walk, reading a book, practicing meditation, or engaging in a creative hobby. Exercise and deep breathing can also help reduce anxiety and keep you grounded. - Focus on What You Can Control
Anxiety often makes us feel powerless, but there are things we can control. You can volunteer, donate to organizations fighting for LGBTQIA+ rights, or take part in community events. And, of course, voting is one of the most powerful actions you can take. - Seek Professional Help if Needed
If election anxiety feels overwhelming, talking to a mental health professional can be incredibly helpful. There are LGBTQIA+-friendly therapists who understand the unique challenges queer people face and can offer strategies to manage stress and anxiety.
Staying Hopeful and Resilient
While election seasons can feel like dark times, remember that queer communities have always been strong, resilient, and courageous. We’ve faced challenges before and come through them with hope, creativity, and a fierce dedication to equality. This election is challenging, but by caring for ourselves and supporting each other, we can find strength.
It’s natural to feel worried, but remember that you are not alone. Together, we can face this with courage, knowing that each action we take—from voting to self-care to building community—makes a difference. Let’s hold onto hope, knowing that progress may be hard-won, but it’s something we’re all part of shaping.
