Surviving The Next Trump Term: An Ongoing LGBTQIA+ Perspective: Part 1
Or as I say, Fuck you Trump, Im not going down without a fucking fight.
The Social and Cultural Sh*tstorm Facing LGBTQIA+ Folks
Let’s cut through the niceties: LGBTQIA+ communities are getting f*cked over in ways that go beyond just legal battles. There’s a war being waged on their existence in the social and cultural spheres, and it’s hitting hard where it hurts the most—in how people talk, what laws target their events, and even how they’re remembered in history. So buckle up as we dive into the three big cultural middle fingers being given to LGBTQIA+ folks: anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, policing of their spaces, and erasure of their goddamn history.
1. Encouraging Anti-LGBTQIA+ Rhetoric: The Bullsh*t Disguised as "Debate"
The Rise of Open Bigotry
Let’s not sugarcoat it: political leaders and public figures are making it easier than ever to spew hate under the guise of "protecting kids," "defending traditional values," or other tired-ass excuses. When you’ve got politicians openly labeling LGBTQIA+ people as "groomers" or pedophiles for existing, the door to normalized hate speech swings wide open.
How the Rhetoric Spreads
Anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric thrives in a few key ways:
Media Echo Chambers: Right-wing media outlets like Fox News and smaller, more extreme platforms amplify every negative stereotype they can find, twisting facts to suit their agenda.
Legislation as Messaging: Bills targeting trans healthcare or banning drag shows send a clear-as-f*ck signal that queer people are the enemy.
Social Media Algorithms: Ever noticed how the shittiest takes go viral? Platforms like Twitter and Facebook reward inflammatory rhetoric, giving hate-mongers an audience they don’t deserve.
The Damage
Words aren’t just words. They embolden assholes to harass, assault, and in extreme cases, kill LGBTQIA+ folks. The Trevor Project has data showing that LGBTQIA+ youth are already at a higher risk for depression and suicide—and this kind of sh*t only makes it worse.
Fighting Back Against Rhetoric
The best way to combat hate-filled rhetoric is to elevate positive representation and amplify queer voices. Allies must call out bullsh*t when they hear it—online and offline—and counter it with facts, empathy, and visibility. Supporting LGBTQIA+ creators, voting for inclusive leaders, and educating ourselves and others can drown out the noise.
2. Increased Policing of LGBTQIA+ Events: The "Law and Order" Bullsh*t
Drag Shows and Pride Under Fire
Here’s the tea: drag shows and pride events are under attack from people who think glitter and rainbows are a threat to society. States like Florida and Tennessee have passed laws to restrict drag performances, with language so vague it basically bans public queerness altogether. They’re framing this sh*t as "protecting children," but let’s be real: it’s about erasing LGBTQIA+ joy.
Police Presence as Intimidation
It’s not just laws. Cops are showing up at Pride events in droves, claiming to "keep the peace" while actually making attendees feel unsafe as hell. Remember Stonewall? Yeah, the LGBTQIA+ movement started as a riot against police brutality, and now we’re back to square f*cking one.
The "Groomer" Narrative
The accusation that LGBTQIA+ events are inherently predatory is not just insulting—it’s dangerous. It’s the same sh*t used to justify bathroom bills and anti-trans sports bans, and it’s leading to an uptick in hate crimes against queer spaces. A 2023 report from GLAAD showed a surge in protests and attacks targeting drag shows across the U.S.
The Long-Term Impact
Over-policing creates an environment where queer spaces are no longer safe havens. It’s not just about fear of arrest or violence; it’s about sending a message that LGBTQIA+ communities aren’t welcome in public life. This dampens attendance, silences expression, and isolates people who need community the most.
Fighting Back
Organizations like GLAAD and Equality Florida are pushing back with legal challenges and public campaigns. Individuals can help by attending events, sharing resources, and showing solidarity in public spaces. It’s about reclaiming the visibility and joy that these laws aim to destroy.
3. Erasure of LGBTQIA+ History: Rewriting the Past to F*ck Over the Future
History Books Without the Gays
One of the shadiest moves in this cultural war is the deliberate erasure of LGBTQIA+ history from curricula. Lawmakers in states like Texas and Florida are pushing for "parental rights" laws that give bigots the power to remove queer-inclusive materials from classrooms. The goal? Pretend LGBTQIA+ people never existed.
Why It Matters
History isn’t just about the past; it shapes how we understand the present and build the future. Ignoring figures like Marsha P. Johnson, Harvey Milk, or Audre Lorde deprives students of role models and perpetuates the myth that LGBTQIA+ contributions to society don’t matter.
The "CRT" Bullsh*t
Anti-LGBTQIA+ erasure often gets lumped in with the so-called "Critical Race Theory" panic. Conservatives argue that discussing queer history is "indoctrination" or "divisive," but really, it’s about maintaining a straight, cis-centered narrative.
Historical Contributions at Stake
From Alan Turing’s groundbreaking work in computer science to Bayard Rustin’s leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, LGBTQIA+ individuals have played pivotal roles in shaping history. Erasing these contributions not only dishonors their legacy but also denies future generations the chance to learn from their courage and innovation.
Fighting Back Against Historical Erasure
Organizations like GLSEN and the Southern Poverty Law Center are fighting to keep queer-inclusive curricula in schools. Grassroots movements are also stepping up, with teachers and parents advocating for inclusive education at the local level. Students themselves are becoming activists, demanding that their identities and histories be respected.
Fighting Back Overall
So, what the f*ck can we do about all this? Plenty:
Call Out Bigotry: Don’t let anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric slide, whether it’s at work, in your social circles, or online.
Support Inclusive Organizations: Donate to groups like GLAAD, The Trevor Project, and Lambda Legal.
Vote, Goddamnit: Local elections matter. Vote for candidates who support LGBTQIA+ rights.
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about queer history and share it. Knowledge is power, and it’s contagious.
Show Up: Attend Pride events, protests, and community meetings. Visibility matters.
This fight isn’t just about LGBTQIA+ people—it’s about creating a world where everyone can exist without fear. And if that’s not worth fighting for, what the hell is?
Citations
GLSEN, "State of LGBTQ+ Inclusion in K-12 Curricula."
Southern Poverty Law Center, "Efforts to Ban LGBTQ+ Materials in Schools."
National LGBTQ Task Force, "Preserving Queer History for Future Generations."
GLAAD, "2023 Drag Event Report: Rise in Protests and Violence."
Equality Florida, "Legislative Attacks on LGBTQ+ Communities."
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), "Analysis of Anti-Drag Legislation and its Implications."
Human Rights Campaign, "State of Hate: Rising Anti-LGBTQ+ Rhetoric in Politics."
The Trevor Project, "2023 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health."
Pew Research Center, "The Spread of Anti-LGBTQ+ Sentiment on Social Media.
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