As part of LGBTQ Nation’s January issue, we asked readers to tell us how one year of the second Trump administration has affected their lives and what they hope LGBTQ+ leaders and allies do differently in 2026.

We received dozens of submissions and will be sharing them throughout the month (you can also still submit).

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H, a 35-year-old queer trans man, said the administration’s anti-LGBTQ+ policies have “taken me to dark places.” He has struggled with finances, rising transphobia, a loss of health care, and challenges around building the family he and his wife have dreamed of. In 2026, he hopes to see cis allies take on more of the fight.

Here’s what he had to say.

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How has living under the second Trump administration affected you personally over the last year?

My wife and I lost our healthcare, which trickles down into the loss of growing our family through adoption. Out-of-pocket expenses for annual screenings, along with my medication, will cost me roughly 11k out of pocket. I will have to travel to a different state to obtain affordable screenings.

I have had folks canvassing for Trump and far-right leaders come to my door, stating that left leaders are allowing children to be mutilated.

I have had more random trolls creeping into my DMs, stating sh*t like “my body, my choice,” and other horrendous things in relation to myself as a trans person or the queer community. Social media accounts have been reported immediately after I share anything remotely about trans rights or trans lives being taken in the name of hate.

I have lost family – not by choice, but because they view me as less than for some reason now. The first round of Trump, I lost a few, but had folks in my corner as far as supporting me as the man I am. This time around, it’s like night and day.

I’ve had family say incredibly unhinged statements such as, “I’m surprised you guys haven’t been placed with adoption yet, you could have went to the border a year ago and gotten a free baby.” 

In my entire adult life, I have never seen so much polarization. I have never struggled so much financially. I even had to pull funds from my IRA to pay my mortgage. Aside from everything mentioned here, the biggest impact this second round of the Trump administration has had on me has been my mental health.

Each attack, each comment from community members, family, etc., has taken me to dark places where there have been more days than not where I feel completely helpless. Like I’m losing everything I’ve worked so hard for. I don’t have much hope; it’s dwindled each day.

What do you hope to see from LGBTQ+ leaders and allies in 2026?

To not back down.

Trans folks need cis allies more than ever right now. Don’t bend the knee and ignore your own morals and values. Challenge views that lack critical thinking and empathy. Mostly, vote, share with people why it is important. Do not skip small elections. Get to know the folks who are running because those are the folks who will be in Congress one day.

Simplest thing is this: If you see something transphobic, say something. Put the fire out. Advocate in small and big ways. Cause y’all, I’m f**king tired. I’m so tired of trying to defend myself, my queer family, and my own little family. It’s exhausting trying to prove your self-worth, value, and authentic self to people who couldn’t care less if you were murdered.

We need help and hope.

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