Many in our community are experiencing the heaviness of recent events and a range of emotions including fear, anger, sadness, grief, hopelessness and exhaustion. These emotions are real, and we feel them too. No matter the circumstances, our community is in this together. Though the path ahead may be uncertain, we remain committed to a future where everyone is seen, heard and valued.

You may be wondering, “What should I do right now?” You are not alone — we have heard this question countless times from our members and supporters across the country. We have created this resource to answer some of your most pressing questions post-election. The information that follows is general guidance and information that can help each person and each family make decisions that feel right for them, but it is not legal advice. We strongly encourage you to seek expert advice about your particular situation from your own health care provider and/or legal counsel.

HRC will be carefully monitoring the actions of the new administration, and we will be fighting back against any policy changes that can create harm or hardship for our community. We will share updates about what’s happening and how you can join us in defending against attempts to roll back our hard-fought progress toward equal rights for our LGBTQ+ community.

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You are loved, and you have an entire community with you.

We understand that the 2024 election outcomes have raised concerns for many in our community, and it’s normal to feel uncertain about your physical safety. But it's important to remember that throughout history, LGBTQ+ individuals have always faced challenges, and we have continually found ways to navigate these situations with resilience, strength and solidarity.

Over the past half-century, we've fought hard to break down barriers, reduce stigma and shed the burdens of the closet. Our visibility as a community is a powerful declaration of our strength, unity and resilience — and it is powerful in changing hearts, minds and votes. When people know LGBTQ+ people, they support us. In the face of adversity, we've made progress, and each person who is able to come out brings us closer to a future where everyone can live their truth openly and without fear.

While it's essential to acknowledge the real risks of our world, it's equally vital to focus on the power we have to make informed decisions and take action to protect ourselves.

Here are some proactive, empowering steps you can take to feel more in control and supported:

Build Your Safety Network: Safety starts with community. Connecting with your loved ones, friends and other LGBTQ+ individuals can offer both emotional and practical support. Together, you can create a safety plan that works for you. For example:

When attending public events or visiting LGBTQ+ spaces, discuss plans for mutual safety. Consider checking in with each other at different intervals, and ensure that someone close to you knows your whereabouts.

If you're heading out on your own, you might want to share your location with a trusted friend or family member through your phone so that they can keep an eye on your well-being.

Create a support network to lean on when you need it. We rise by lifting each other up.

Decide How You Show Your Visibility: Being open about who you are is a powerful act, but it’s OK to decide when and where you feel most comfortable expressing yourself. Here are some ideas to empower your choices:

Evaluate Your Surroundings: If you’re not sure about the level of support from those around you — whether neighbors or coworkers — understand that visibility through Pride flags, public displays of affection and discussing your identity with others may open questions, dialogue and reactions. Some of these will be positive, some may be negative, and many may increase understanding of LGBTQ+ people.

Empower Yourself with Knowledge and Skills: Feeling prepared can significantly boost your confidence and sense of control. Consider taking steps like:

Self-defense training: Queer- and trans-friendly self-defense classes can help you feel more empowered in your body and increase your confidence in handling potential threats.

De-escalation training: Knowing how to respond to conflict, harassment or dangerous situations calmly and assertively can help you stay in control. Many organizations offer these classes, which can also teach how to protect others and maintain a sense of safety in tense moments.

Take Your Time: Remember, decisions about visibility and safety are deeply personal, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Take the time to assess what feels right for you. Your safety is a priority, but your authenticity is equally important. You deserve to live and love without fear.

Take Action Against Hate and Violence: If you witness or experience hate speech, harassment or violence, you are not powerless. There are clear steps you can take to stand up for yourself and others:

Report Incidents: If you encounter hate speech online or in public, report it to the platform or entity involved — whether that’s a store manager or social media moderator. Many platforms have codes of conduct that may remove harmful content.

Report to Authorities: If you feel safe doing so, contact local law enforcement. Many police departments have LGBTQ+ liaison officers trained to engage with our community.

Access Community Resources: Don’t hesitate to reach out to local LGBTQ+ organizations for support. You're not alone, and seeking help can make a world of difference in processing traumatic experiences or simply knowing what resources are available to you.

A Final Word of Empowerment

While the world may sometimes feel hostile, we are resilient, and we have a long history of standing strong in the face of adversity. The decisions you make to protect your safety and privacy are yours, and you have the power to choose what feels right for you.

Know that you have a vibrant and supportive community with you You are not alone, and your authenticity is a strength that the world needs. No matter what challenges arise, you have the agency to navigate them with confidence, power and resilience.

Stay safe, stay strong, and above all—stay true to who you are. Your safety and your visibility matter. Check out these resources:

Get Help & Resources from the Anti-Violence Project

Report a hate incident through the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project

Anti-Violence Project’s 24-hour hotline and online reporting tool

The digital world can be a double-edged sword — while it connects us, it also exposes us to risks. It makes sense to be concerned about online safety in an increasingly hostile political environment.

Here are some proactive steps to take control of your online presence:

Strengthen Your Online Privacy:

Be Mindful of What You Share: While social media can be a wonderful tool for connection, it’s important to be selective about what personal information you post. Avoid sharing sensitive details like your home address, workplace or private medical information.

Strengthen Your Digital Security: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication and keep your accounts secure. These simple steps can reduce your risk of being targeted online.

Limit Visibility: Adjust your privacy settings on social media to control who can view your posts. You can decide how much of your identity you wish to share, keeping your peace of mind intact.

Connect with Supportive Communities: There are countless LGBTQ+ online groups and resources that provide guidance and solidarity. While sharing personal details in these spaces is important, always stay cautious about revealing sensitive information like your location or medical details.

Stay Alert and Empowered: Being informed and proactive is key to maintaining your safety. Here are some final tips:

Learn about Online Threats: Understand the common types of online scams, harassment and hate campaigns targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. Knowing what to look for can help you navigate the digital landscape more safely.

Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter anything that feels threatening or suspicious online, report it to the relevant platform or authorities. You don’t have to face these challenges alone.

Check out these resources for online safety:

Online Safety for LGBTQ+ Young People from the Trevor Project

HRC Foundation's LGBTQ+ Youth and the Internet Resource

Indivisible's Safety, Security, and Digital Preparedness Guide for a Second Trump Administration

All LGBTQ+ people have some protections from discrimination, but the strength and scope of those protections vary greatly depending on where you live. Many states have non-discrimination laws that include sexual orientation and gender identity, and some cities and counties do as well.

Additionally, there are federal non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people too. In 2020, the Supreme Court of the United States held in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 — which prohibits discrimination in employment — prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ+ employees. This effectively extended non-discrimination protections in employment to many LGBTQ+ people. Because these protections are embedded in federal law, a new presidential administration cannot change them without congressional action. In addition, public sector employees at all levels of government have protections under the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.

While we are certainly braced for attacks on LGBTQ+ inclusive non-discrimination protections and will be prepared to resist such efforts, it is also important to understand that these protections are well-established and not easy to overturn. It is possible that these protections will be narrowed through broad interpretations of exemptions, but they are written in statute and remain the law. HRC will continue to push for the Equality Act, which would when passed, solidify and expand these protections in federal law.

It is also critical to stay informed on state legislative action. State legislative sessions vary in timing, length and scope, but some state legislatures will begin their 2025 sessions first thing in January. State laws have a tremendous impact on your rights and quality of life, so it is critical to stay informed about what is happening in your legislature.

How to stay informed about what is happening in your state:

HRC’s state maps resource shows laws impacting LGBTQ+ rights across the country.

HRC’s Municipal Equality Index examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are for LGBTQ+ people who live and work there.

HRC’s State Equality Index is a state-by-state report that provides a review of statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ+ people and their families.

Get involved with HRC and find your local community.

Now is a good time to speak with an attorney to ensure that you have taken the protections you can to safeguard your family’s safety and resources. Depending on your situation, the attorney may advise you to:

Ensure that both partners’ names are on important documents, including deeds and financial accounts.

Write a will, and if you have children engage in a second-parent adoption to ensure your legal rights to parent your child, or take other steps. There are important tax, federal benefits, health benefits and immigration considerations to consider as well.

There are alternatives to getting married. Marriage provides many critical rights, benefits and obligations for couples and their families. Some of these benefits can be secured outside of marriage, including through wills, powers of attorney and similar arrangements. However, nothing will provide protections that are as comprehensive as those provided by getting married. Some legal steps, like second-parent adoptions, are often advisable even for couples who are legally married.

Marriage equality is the law. When Justice Thomas wrote in the Dobbs decision that Obergefell (the marriage equality decision) should be reconsidered, he was writing only for himself; the decision by the majority of the court specifically said that abortion and marriage equality are different legal questions. In addition, Congress passed the Respect for Marriage Act that guarantees that all legally married same-sex couples are entitled to all of the federal rights, benefits and obligations of marriage regardless of future Supreme Court actions. Understandably, couples may remain concerned — however, marriage is a complex legal as well as personal commitment and should not be entered into lightly.

Periods of change are a good time to update or create legal documents that provide additional security to all couples. Please speak to an attorney in your state who has experience with LGBTQ+ family law and estate planning about what legal actions are most appropriate for your family, regardless of whether or not marriage is part of your family’s plan.

Here are helpful resources:

The LGBT Family Law Institute® Directory of experienced LGBTQ+ family law practitioners from LGBTQ+ Bar and the National Center for Lesbian Rights

The Dobbs Decision: Protecting LGBTQ+ Families resource from Family Equality Council

Together, we will adapt and respond to the changing world around us. Together, we are strong, we are resilient, we are determined, and we are emboldened. Together, we will resist.

We have spent over four decades fighting for the rights of our LGBTQ+ community, and we are undaunted by the results of the election. We are working to anticipate your needs and will be developing additional resources to support you in the weeks, months and years ahead.