Take Care of Yourself
We want to remind you to take care of yourself. The fight for trans rights is far from over. In fact, it’s just getting started. In the U.S. under the Trump Administration, and around the world, the transgender community is facing a disturbing trend of legislative, cultural, and social attacks. These coordinated efforts to strip away dignity, rights, and visibility are unacceptable. We will not be silent.
We must stay strong and stay in the fight!
Stay Informed to Support Trans Rights
Now more than ever, we encourage everyone in the LGBT community to stay informed and get involved in whatever ways you can. We encourage you to support transgender organizations who are fighting for our rights. We urge to you call out discrimination (of any kind) whenever you see it. Make financial contributions if you can. Contact your legislators and elected officials. Sign petitions. Make your voice heard whenever and as often as you can. Finally, let’s put any differences aside and show up for each other. Our collective presence and voices matter.
Taking Care of Yourself is Part of the Fight
Just as important as fighting for what’s right is remembering to take care of yourself along the way. There is so much negativity in the news and it isn’t all targeting the trans community. The Trump administration is targeting people of color, immigrants, gay and lesbian people, the disabled, our low-income youth, and even our veterans. Everywhere you look, there are awful stories of injustice. Burnout and exhaustion are very real possibilities when confronted with so many challenges. And during these challenging times, self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s an act of resistance. Your well-being will help us advance and ultimately win the fight for transgender rights.
Ideas to Disconnect and Recharge
We get it. We’re feeling the burnout too and every now and then we need to get away from the negativity and emotion of the news. That’s what sparked the idea for this article. Here are some ways for you to disconnect and recharge:
- Unplug from the news and social media, even for a little while
- Enjoy music that speaks to your soul—either listening, playing or both.
- Get outside for a walk in nature. Take time to appreciate the beauty around you.
- Spend time with affirming friends and lift each other up.
- Read a book that inspires, entertains, or transports you somewhere else.
- Practice mindfulness through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
- Get to the gym to blow off some steam. Pump up those endorphins!
- Hang out with pets or animals. Their non-judgmental love is powerful.
- Create, draw, paint, journal, or craft your truth whatever the medium of expression.
- Rest well and stay hydrated—you deserve to feel good in your body.
- Set the mood. Take a bubble bath, light a candle, make tea, or cozy up in your favorite space.
- Do something kind, whether it’s for someone else or just for you.
Be Fierce With Your Activism But Gentle With Yourself
This is a long fight that will likely take years. We are not fighting alone. The Trump Aministrations reckless disregard for the rule of law and common decency will likely be their undoing. Many legal actions have already been filed and many, many more will follow. We need to be good to ourselves. Try not to focus on the bigotry but instead on the good people fighting for our rights. Your strength comes from disconnecting when you need to recharge and then showing up again and again, even when the world tries to wear you down.
Support is Available
If the weight of everything becomes too much, please know that help is available and you are never alone. Reaching out to friends or professionals for support is not a weakness. It’s a courageous act of self-preservation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or simply need someone to talk to, there are trained professionals, crisis lines, and community resources ready to listen and help you through difficult times. Your life and well-being matters. Your emotions are valid. There is absolutely no shame in asking for help. You deserve care, compassion, and the chance to be your best version of yourself.
Suicide Prevention Resources
Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and there is hope for a happy life!
If you or anyone you know is experiencing a crisis and having suicidal thoughts, there are several resources available to help.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
One important resource in the U.S. is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline in the United States, 0r call 1-800-273-TALK. This confidential helpline is available 24/7 and is staffed by trained crisis counselors who can provide support, information, and referrals to local resources.
Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860) is a peer support helpline staffed by transgender individuals, for transgender individuals. They are available to provide emotional support, information, and referrals to other resources.
The Trevor Project
Another resource for transgender youth is The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386. They have trained counselors who are available 24/7 to provide support and counseling to individuals in crisis.
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