If you are struggling, know you are not alone. If you are experiencing extra distress and need immediate support, we encourage you to reach out to one of the following resources:
- Crisis Text Line: Thanks to our partnership with Crisis Text Line, FOLX members can text 'FOLX' to 741741 to reach a live volunteer crisis counselor, 24/7. Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, confidential text-based mental health support in both English and Spanish and is also available via WhatsApp or web browser.
- Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support phone service run by trans people for our trans and questioning peers. Call the hotline at (877) 565-8860 to talk. Visit https://translifeline.org/hotline/ for details and availability.
For FOLX members with non-emergency concerns you would like to discuss with your care team, you can reach out through the Message Center.
Quick links:
- What We’re Feeling
- What We Know
- Mental Health Fallout
- What Comes Next?
- The Work Continues
- What We’re Offering
If you're reading this, you may be reeling or scared or uncertain, like many of us, about the results of the 2024 Presidential election. Many folks in the LGBTQIA+ community, especially transgender individuals, were concerned about the possibility of a Trump presidency (see our recent election survey). This election was not just about politics for us—it was about survival.
Know that we at FOLX remain open. We are operating as normal (while holding all the feelings and unprecedentedness of this moment), and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure your continued access to expert and affirming healthcare. We are here, for the long haul.
We all knew the stakes were high going into this election. With over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced just this year, most targeting the transgender community, the concern wasn’t if our rights would be threatened but how deeply they’d be impacted, and where. And now, with Trump re-elected, it may feel like we’re staring down a scary, uncertain road.
Let’s talk about where we’re at now, what comes next, and how we at FOLX are committed to seeing you through whatever comes.
You’re not alone—fear is at an all-time high. In our recent survey, most respondents (90%) reported feeling anxious about the future. It's not just a headline, it’s the reality we wake up to every day. Fear for our safety, fear for our families, and fear for our ability to continue accessing gender-affirming care.
"I’m already considering whether it’s safe to stay in my state. My healthcare could be taken away, and I need to figure out where I could go next," one FOLX member shared.
Even before this election, 58% of transgender individuals reported considering moving due to hostile policies in their state. Trump’s win has only added fuel to those fears. Whether we’re actively seeking out gender-affirming care or simply existing, we're watching the landscape change before our eyes.
- 1 in 5 trans people lost access to healthcare due to anti-LGBTQ+ laws this year alone, with those in red states feeling the worst of it.
- 86% report that the current political environment has strained their relationships, with many families experiencing deep divides over what this election means.
- 89% are extremely concerned about a Trump administration.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that many of us are preparing for survival mode, especially for those living in states where anti-trans legislation is prevalent. The future of access to gender-affirming care, the right to transition, and simply living openly as ourselves is more uncertain than ever.
As the largest healthcare provider to the LGBTQIA+ community, we at FOLX have seen firsthand how this election is impacting mental health. The statistics speak for themselves:
- 2 in 3 trans people reported significant mental health struggles, with the average respondent experiencing over 14 bad mental health days per month.
- 2 in 3 are struggling to find LGBTQIA+-affirming mental health care. Many report feeling isolated, with their support systems strained or diminished in the aftermath of the election.
Mental health disparities have long impacted our community, but the heightened stress and anxiety following this election cannot be ignored. We’ve watched folks around us take protective actions—people making sure they have a trusted care provider to manage their prescription refills, getting legal documents in order, and making plans to protect themselves and their families however they can.
Even in the face of fear, our community is resilient. We’ve been here before, and we know what it means to rally for our rights. This isn’t the first time we’ve had to take action to ensure our collective future, and it won’t be the last.
If you're wondering, "What will happen to my healthcare now?"—we hear you. And there is a lot we can’t yet answer about what a Trump presidency (and the impact of state races across the country) will look like. But we see no immediate threats to the care we provide.
Right now nothing has changed about your ability to access healthcare from FOLX. We are still here with open doors and open arms. As we navigate this new political landscape, know that FOLX remains committed to providing care, support, and resources to help our community weather this.
For those of you who feel fired up, continue to engage. Your voice still matters. Get involved, build community, and keep caring for yourselves and each other. Know that whether you need additional healthcare, support, or simply finding someone to talk to, FOLX is here, with you.
Trump’s presidency won’t stop us from working for our mission of increasing access to expert and affirming care for the LGBTQIA+ community. The stakes have never been higher—but neither has our determination.
FOLX was founded because LGBTQIA+ people have always been underserved by mainstream healthcare. In times like these it is ever more clear that our mission is critical and necessary. As LGBTQIA+ people always have, we are finding ways to take care of each other both inside and out of existing systems. We at FOLX will continue to do everything we can to provide holistic care and ensure our continued access to the healthcare we deserve.
What we’re continuing to do now:
- Providing Expert and Affirming Care for the LGBTQ+ Community. Our mission is to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where LGBTQ+ people can receive the highest quality of care without fear of discrimination.
- Serving as a Community Resource. Our holistic care includes accessible education and resources on the issues that impact our lives, from evidence-based medicine to the changing legal landscape, supporting our community with the knowledge we need to make informed decisions.
- Increasing Access to Care. Addressing healthcare disparities means dismantling barriers for our community. Through strategic partnerships, our FOLX Fund, insurance coverage, expanded services, and more, we work to ensure all LGBTQ+ individuals can access the care they deserve.
- Addressing Mental Health Needs. By providing treatment for anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns, and expanding therapy services to all fifty states, we ensure our community has access to expert and LGBTQ-specialized care for both their physical and mental wellbeing.
- Fighting for LGBTQ+ Healthcare Rights. Through lobbying, meeting with elected officials, education and public advocacy campaigns, we are steadfast in our commitment to protect and advance LGBTQ+ healthcare rights.
- Leading Research Initiatives. We advance healthcare innovation through groundbreaking research created in partnership with leading experts and community members. Our commitment to centering the LGBTQ+ experience ensures that our studies are shaped by and for the community, reflecting our diversity and enhancing health outcomes for all.
We are listening to our community and hear the need to respond with ever greater action in this moment. We will share more about these initiatives in the coming months.
Therapist-Facilitated Support Spaces
We’re hosting a series of therapist-led spaces designed for healing and connection. These include guided meditation sessions, open sharing spaces, and tools for coping with anxiety. It’s a safe place to process your feelings with support from licensed therapists who understand our community.
Dates and times for video and text chats with our therapists coming soon—please check back!
Join the FOLX Community Platform to access 24/7 chats with our Community and to participate in therapist-facilitated conversations. FOLX members can access the Community in their FOLX account. If you’re not a member, you can join for a 10-day free trial here.
24/7 Mental Health Text Support
Thanks to our partnership with Crisis Text Line, our community can text 'FOLX' to 741741 to reach a live volunteer crisis counselor at any time. Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, confidential text-based mental health support in both English and Spanish and is also available via WhatsApp or web browser.
Community Chat in the FOLX Community Platform
Keep the conversation going with your peers in our dedicated community chat. It’s an open, ongoing space where you can share, connect, and find solidarity with others who get it. We’re all in this together. 💬
Mental Health and Coping Tools
We’ve also put together a roundup of coping strategies, mental health services, and tips for managing election-related anxiety. Check it out in this article.
At FOLX, we’re more than a healthcare provider—we’re a community. And even as we continue to push for more accessible care, our commitment to your well-being is stronger than ever. We’re here to provide life-saving healthcare and a safe space for you to be supported and seen.
And, as always, we will ensure you are up to date on any potential legislative impacts to your healthcare as any news comes. Sign up for our newsletter for all the latest.
