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Resilience in a Hostile Political Climate 

A group of people stands solemnly in front of a government building under gray skies, each wearing dark clothing. Red crosshair targets are superimposed on their chests with words like “Debated,” “Rejected,” “Unsafe,” “Afraid,” and “Hopeless,” symbolizing how LGBTQ+ individuals feel targeted and unsafe in a hostile political climate.


For LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, the current political climate in America is like a constant storm, one where your rights, dignity, and safety are debated, battered, and blown away. Stress takes a serious toll on your mental health when it feels like legislation, rhetoric, and social tensions have painted a target on your back. Anxiety and depression become persistent and make it even harder to feel safe, hopeful, or even motivated to keep pushing forward.


It feels personal because it is personal.


Politics isn’t just about policy; it’s about people. You, me, us. When laws seek to erase LGBTQ+ identities from classrooms, restrict gender-affirming care, or limit basic rights, it isn’t an abstract debate — it’s our lives. And for allies, watching people you love suffer brings on feelings of helplessness, anger, and secondary trauma.


When identity or values are under attack, it can trigger:


  • Hypervigilance and anxiety - You’re constantly on edge or feel unsafe.

  • Depression and hopelessness - It’s really hard to see a future where things improve.

  • Emotional exhaustion - You’re too drained to engage in activism or even parts of your daily life you used to enjoy.

  • Social withdrawal - You isolate out of fear of rejection or confrontation for simply existing, or for supporting civil rights for all.


Protect Your Mental Health


Set Boundaries with News and Social Media. Staying informed is important, but doomscrolling won’t fix anything. It will drain you. Schedule brief check-ins for news, and follow sources that provide hope and action steps, not just fear and despair.


Find (or Build) Community. You’re not alone. Connecting with LGBTQ+ spaces, allies, and supportive groups (both online and in person) can counteract isolation. Safe spaces—both literal and emotional—offer comfort, solidarity, and empowerment.


Take Meaningful Action (No Matter How Small). Feeling powerless fuels depression and anxiety. Vote. Donate. Protest. Support someone who’s struggling. Seemingly small actions build resilience and change over time.


Actively support LGBTQ-owned and ally-owned businesses. Peruse OutCoast (a digital magazine and travel blog that often highlights LGBTQ-friendly businesses) and Gayborhood (an app that lists LGBTQ-friendly businesses across various regions). 


Prioritize Rest and Joy. Your well-being isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. Rest, engage in hobbies, seek out queer joy, and don’t feel guilty for stepping back when needed. Activism is a marathon, not a sprint, and sometimes maintaining and spreading joy is the best form of resistance.


Seek Professional Support. Some days will feel heavier than others, and that’s okay. You don’t have to carry it all alone. At Bodhi Counseling, our queer-affirming therapists provide the validation, support, and coping strategies you deserve right now. In a world that feels increasingly hostile, Bodhi offers a safe space where you can process tough emotions and face daily challenges with strength and resilience.


You are seen, you are valued, and you are not alone.


The world feels really heavy right now. Even so, your existence is still valid, your feelings are real, and you deserve peace and safety. Protecting your mental health ensures you have the strength to fight for your rights, and for what’s right.



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