Politics & LGBTQ+ Youth

What a crazy last week this has been! With any election comes anticipation, stress, and excitement. But this year was especially important as we were at a turning point for the United States—and during a pandemic no less.

We had a record number of 161 million voters turn out for this election! Beyond voter turnout, we saw a Rainbow Wave of LGBTQ+ politicians winning elections across the country. Sarah McBride was voted to serve as the nation’s first openly trans state senator. In Florida, we witnessed Michele Rayner-Goolsby and Shevrin Jones elected as state senators—both openly LGBTQ+ individuals. In Georgia, we celebrated Kim Jackson becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ state senator as well. These are only a few examples, and there were many other LGBTQ+ individuals elected into office positions across the country.

This was all such a pivotal moment for the US—electing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the next president and vice president of the United States, as well as seeing numerous breakthroughs of LGBTQ+ politicians across the country. But now that it is all over, what is next?

We continue striving and working for change. We get the youth involved.

Stay informed about current events and policies at local, state, and national levels. Consult with multiple, non-biased news sources. You can even get involved directly! Email or call your local state representatives, and remember that their job is to listen to you. Tell them a little about yourself and explain why you support or do not support certain legislation. Volunteer for your favorite nonprofit organization and help cultivate the change you wish to see. Nonprofits rely on your help and support (plus you can get volunteer hours!). Another great way to get involved is through school clubs surrounding politics. The Model UN is a great place to start! Do not have a club at school surrounding politics? Then you have a great opportunity to create a club and determine what changes you will make!

I can imagine that this election caused many youths to feel out of control. But I want to reassure you that you have every right to vocalize your feelings, fight for policies, and make active change. The system itself does not include a seat at the table for youths, which is why we must fight to make one. Make your voices heard and force politicians and lawmakers to listen. It is your future, you deserve to have a say.

Written by: Sam Hayward (Camp Counselor) on November 10, 2020